tacit agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

"tacit agreement" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used to refer to an unstated agreement between two people or parties, where the understanding of the agreement is not expressed in words but is implied by their actions. For example, "There was a tacit agreement between the two parties not to discuss the terms of the business deal in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, by tacit agreement, they fought-fought.

The New Yorker

It subsists by tacit agreement between the corrupters and corrupted.

The Economist

And a tacit agreement that both things "never happened".

The Guardian

That tacit agreement now seems to be falling apart.

The Guardian

Then, by tacit agreement, we both ate our tartufi.

The New Yorker

I have always taken that for tacit agreement".

The Guardian

Therefore, ordinary reality is ultimately nothing more than convention or tacit agreement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every portrait is a contract, a tacit agreement between artist and sitter.

Independent

"There is a tacit agreement between a performer and an audience," he said.

The New York Times

Shortly after that, the world reached a tacit agreement to never mention Celebrity Wrestling ever again.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Not that we'd reached a tacit agreement or anything of the sort.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tacit agreement", ensure that the context clearly implies the understanding through actions or behaviors, making the implicit agreement evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "tacit agreement" to justify actions where explicit consent is necessary or legally required. A "tacit agreement" implies an understanding, not permission. It's crucial not to mistake a lack of objection for affirmative agreement in situations involving rights or ethical considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tacit agreement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of agreement that is understood without being explicitly stated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tacit agreement" is a noun phrase that describes an agreement or understanding that is not explicitly stated but is implied through actions or behaviors. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and widely used, particularly in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. It's important to differentiate "tacit agreement" from explicit agreements and to avoid misinterpreting it as explicit consent. When using "tacit agreement", ensure that the context clearly implies the understanding through actions or behaviors. Related phrases include "implied understanding" and "unspoken accord". Remember, a "tacit agreement" implies an understanding, not necessarily permission. Ludwig's analysis shows that this phrase is a valuable tool for describing implicit understandings across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common understanding

Highlights the shared comprehension of a situation or expectation.

understood arrangement

Highlights that the arrangement is known and accepted, even if not explicitly discussed.

implied understanding

Focuses on the unspoken comprehension between parties.

mutual expectation

Focuses on the reciprocal anticipation of behavior or outcomes.

unspoken accord

Emphasizes the harmony or consensus reached without verbal communication.

implicit consensus

Highlights the general agreement that is understood rather than articulated.

silent compact

Emphasizes the quiet, understated nature of the agreement.

unwritten understanding

Stresses the absence of a formal written document outlining the agreement.

gentleman's agreement

Suggests an informal agreement based on honor and trust, typically used in business or social contexts.

nod and a wink

A more colloquial way of describing a secret or informal agreement.

FAQs

How is "tacit agreement" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "tacit agreement" is used to describe an agreement or understanding that is not explicitly stated but is implied through actions or behaviors. For instance, "There was a "tacit agreement" between the neighbors to keep their lawns tidy."

What are some synonyms for "tacit agreement"?

Alternatives to "tacit agreement" include "implied understanding", "unspoken accord", or "implicit consensus", all conveying a sense of unstated agreement.

Is it correct to use "tacit agreement" in a formal context?

Yes, "tacit agreement" is suitable for formal contexts, especially when describing business deals, political negotiations, or social contracts where formal documentation might be lacking. It highlights a mutual understanding that is not openly declared.

What's the difference between "tacit agreement" and "explicit agreement"?

A "tacit agreement" is an understanding implied through actions or circumstances, while an "explicit agreement" is clearly stated, often in writing. Unlike a "tacit agreement", an explicit agreement leaves no room for ambiguity as the terms are openly defined.