terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to various conditions, components of an agreement, or words used to define something. For example, "When they came to an agreement, they had to agree on the terms of the sale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We closed the park immediately whilst preliminary investigations took place and to give our staff time to come to terms with the accident and its aftermath.

The Guardian

Terms apply.

The Guardian - Sport

By booking a Guardian Masterclass, you accept these terms and conditions.

The Guardian

"I would also ask the chief constable, in light of this attack, to revise his position in respect of loyalist paramilitaries who are clearly flouting the terms of their ceasefire.

The Guardian

It was found to be good in terms of how effective and caring it was.

The Guardian

The Tory manifesto said in vague terms that a Conservative government "would legislate to ensure trade unions use a transparent opt-in process for union subscriptions", but made no mention of the political levy.

The Guardian

But Waldfogel's studies also suggest a very different solution: if most of the presents we buy are going to be less valuable in monetary terms than in sentimental ones, then there's no reason to believe that the more expensive gift is a better gift.

The Economist

Returns policy Please see the terms and conditions for information on the refund policy.

The Guardian

When asked about the terms and conditions of the loan Georges said: "I was told by Nick di Girolamo they were in mediation with Sydney Water and I got a bit excited because Sydney Water is a big utilities company.

The Guardian

Leese was on good terms with Wigan's leader, Peter (now Lord Smithh, and with the region's only Tory, Trafford's dynamic 27-year-old boss, Sean Anstee.

The Guardian

To the delight of Eurosceptics, the prime minister will throw down the gauntlet to his fellow EU leaders to agree to a revision of Britain's membership terms within two and a half years of the next general election or risk triggering a British exit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terms" precisely; specify if you're referring to conditions, definitions, or time periods.

Common error

Avoid using "terms" and "conditions" interchangeably. "Terms" generally refer to specific vocabulary or time periods, while "conditions" refer to the stipulations of an agreement. For example, clarify the "payment terms" versus the cancellation conditions.

Linguistic Context

The noun "terms" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to specific conditions, stipulations, or vocabulary within an agreement or discussion. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples showcasing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "terms" is a grammatically sound and versatile word frequently employed to denote conditions, stipulations, or timeframes within various contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's particularly prevalent in news, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. While "terms" and "conditions" are often associated, it's crucial to differentiate their specific applications to maintain clarity. For alternative phrasing, consider using "conditions", "provisions", or "stipulations" to enhance precision in your writing. By understanding the nuances of "terms", you can effectively communicate and avoid ambiguity in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conditions

This alternative focuses on specific stipulations or requirements within an agreement.

provisions

This term emphasizes the specific clauses or stipulations included in a legal document or agreement.

stipulations

This suggests particular demands or conditions that must be met.

requirements

This refers to necessary elements or criteria that must be fulfilled.

clauses

This highlights individual sections or articles within a contract or agreement.

specifications

This emphasizes detailed descriptions of what is required or expected.

particulars

This focuses on the specific details or items covered.

details

This is a general term for specific pieces of information.

arrangements

This suggests mutually agreed plans or agreements.

ground rules

This alternative refers to the basic principles or rules governing a situation or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "terms" in a sentence?

You can use "terms" to refer to conditions in an agreement, as in "What are the "terms of service"?" or to specify time periods, as in "He served two "presidential terms"."

What is a simple definition of "terms"?

A simple definition of "terms" is the conditions or stipulations under which an agreement is made, or the words used to define something.

What words can I use instead of "terms"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "conditions", "provisions", or "stipulations".

In legal contexts, what does "terms and conditions" refer to?

In legal contexts, "terms and conditions" refers to the full set of rules, requirements, and guidelines to which a user must agree in order to use a product or service.