struck a bargain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struck a bargain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to reaching an agreement or deal, often in a negotiation context. Example: "After hours of discussion, they finally struck a bargain that satisfied both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The bank ultimately struck a bargain with its landlord.

The New York Times

The couple struck a bargain for her to go one day a week.

The New York Times

Mr. Paterson has already struck a bargain with the unions: minimal layoffs in exchange for smaller pensions for new workers.

The New York Times

When her hair started to fall out just at the crown because of the stress, she struck a bargain.

The New York Times - Arts

He has wisely struck a bargain with the companies, albeit one that is so hard as to risk being counter-productive.

The Economist

His father seized power in 1970 and struck a bargain with the richest merchants, who are mostly from the Sunni majority, who make up 75%.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

What is a "bargainer" or a "challenger?" According to Shelby Steele, a bargainer strikes a bargain with white America in which they say.

Huffington Post

Would the Conservatives strike a bargain with Ukip?

The Guardian - Opinion

But striking a bargain where love is absent or unbalanced is the surest road to misery.

The New York Times

By importing Rhett and Link to do the work, they strike a bargain.

The New York Times - Arts

The SNP has recently been suggesting that it could strike a bargain with Labour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "struck a bargain" when you want to emphasize the act of negotiating and reaching a mutually beneficial agreement, particularly in situations involving compromise.

Common error

Avoid using "struck a bargain" when simply stating an agreement without any implication of negotiation or compromise. Use more neutral terms like "reached an agreement" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struck a bargain" functions as a verbal phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase describes the action of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement through negotiation. It emphasizes the act of compromising to achieve a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "struck a bargain" is a commonly used phrase that describes reaching an agreement after negotiation, often involving compromise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the context involves negotiation rather than a simple agreement. Alternatives such as "reached an agreement" or "made a deal" may be more appropriate in scenarios lacking a negotiation element. Therefore, "struck a bargain" is a valuable phrase for describing negotiated agreements, but careful consideration of context is essential for accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reached an agreement

This alternative is a more general term for coming to terms, without necessarily implying negotiation.

made a deal

This alternative is a more informal way to say that parties have agreed to something.

came to terms

This alternative suggests a negotiation process that led to a compromise.

settled on an arrangement

This alternative suggests a formalized agreement, often involving specific conditions.

concluded a transaction

This alternative is specific to business contexts and implies an exchange of goods or services.

finalized an accord

This alternative is often used in political or diplomatic contexts to describe a formal agreement.

brokered a compromise

This alternative highlights the role of a mediator in reaching an agreement.

negotiated a settlement

This alternative suggests resolving a dispute or conflict through negotiation.

hammered out an agreement

This alternative implies a difficult or protracted negotiation process.

forged a consensus

This alternative emphasizes the achievement of widespread agreement or unity.

FAQs

How can I use "struck a bargain" in a sentence?

You can use "struck a bargain" to describe a situation where two or more parties negotiated and reached a mutually acceptable agreement. For example, "The company "struck a bargain" with the union to avoid a strike".

What can I say instead of "struck a bargain"?

You can use alternatives like "reached an agreement", "made a deal", or "came to terms" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "struck a bargain" in formal writing?

Yes, "struck a bargain" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing business negotiations or political compromises. However, consider using "reached an agreement" for a more neutral tone.

What is the difference between ""struck a bargain"" and "reached a consensus"?

"Struck a bargain" implies negotiation and compromise between parties with potentially conflicting interests, while "reached a consensus" suggests a more collaborative process where everyone agrees on a shared outcome. A bargain often involves concessions, whereas a consensus implies unified support.