understanding agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understanding agreement" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing the comprehension of a mutual agreement or contract, but it is not commonly phrased this way. Example: "Before we proceed, we need to ensure that there is a clear understanding agreement between both parties."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

General Sisi's statement appeared to seek to avert that clash by calling on all sides to reach "a formula of real understanding, agreement and reconciliation to protect Egypt and its people".

The New York Times

We also know that there are no true, just or fair reasons behind the adoption of this resolution in the name of the Security Council, after the well-known understanding agreement between the representatives of Iraq and the U.N. secretary general and the press statement issued jointly by Blix, ElBaradei and the Iraqi representatives.

The New York Times

The agreement, understanding, deal or declaration was supposed to lay down the process for the disarming and demobilization of M23.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But we do not know what understandings, agreements or promises Mr. Clinton may have made on behalf of the United States to secure the release of the women.

The New York Times

"This Agreement... set[s] forth the entire understanding of the Parties with respect to the Transaction, supersede[s] all prior discussions, understandings, agreements and representations and shall not be modified or affected by any offer, proposal, statement or representation, oral or written, made by or for any Party in connection with the negotiation of the terms hereof".

Huffington Post

"Absolutely, we are fully committed to our obligations emanating from understandings and agreements here, including security obligations," said a Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat.

The New York Times

By thinking outside the monogamous, non-monogamous box, we free ourselves to create partnerships based on our own circumstances, sexualities, understandings and agreements".

Huffington Post

While the understandings and agreements reached during the intersessional process are not legally-binding, they are nevertheless politically-binding for all States Parties.

BMC Public Health

Furthermore, our analysis of administrative records revealed collaborative relationships with industry that were not necessarily accompanied by industry funding or co-authored publications, but could be accounted for by less conventional indicators such as memoranda of understanding, confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, data/material transfer agreements, and visitor agreements.

BMC Health Services Research

EBay said the government was seeking information on its changes in commissions and buyers' premiums and "discussions, agreements or understandings with other auction houses, in each case since 1992".

The New York Times

Much of the land for the lab was taken from Native communities in the 1940s, in what she says started with temporary agreements, and understandings that it would be returned after the war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For better clarity, use more established phrases such as "mutual understanding" or "shared agreement".

Common error

Avoid using "understanding agreement" when "agreement" alone suffices. The presence of an agreement generally implies an understanding, so specifying both can be redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understanding agreement" functions as a noun phrase describing a situation where there is both an agreement and comprehension of the terms within that agreement. However, Ludwig notes it's not standard English. It can be used to highlight that there is comprehension of the agreement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understanding agreement" is a phrase that, while grammatically acceptable, is not the most common or clearest way to express mutual comprehension of an agreement's terms. Ludwig suggests that it is not standard in written English and may cause confusion. It functions as a noun phrase and is used to emphasize a shared comprehension. More common alternatives include "mutual understanding" or "shared agreement". While it appears in news and scientific contexts, its use should be considered carefully to avoid redundancy or lack of clarity. The usage frequency is rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutual understanding

Swaps the order of the words and implies a shared comprehension.

shared agreement

Emphasizes the agreement as something held in common.

common understanding

Highlights that the understanding is widely held.

consensus

Implies a collective agreement reached by a group.

meeting of minds

A more figurative expression for reaching an agreement through understanding.

concurrence of opinion

A formal phrase indicating agreement in thought or judgment.

accord

A more concise synonym for agreement, often used in formal contexts.

contractual understanding

Emphasizes the formal and binding nature of the agreement and the associated understanding.

terms of agreement

Focuses on the specific conditions and details within the agreement.

settled terms

Highlights the fact that terms have been agreed upon and are no longer under negotiation.

FAQs

How can I use "understanding agreement" in a sentence?

While not the most common phrasing, you could say, "Before signing, ensure there's an "understanding agreement" between all parties regarding the terms" but it's usually better to say "mutual understanding" or "shared agreement".

What's a better way to phrase "understanding agreement"?

Consider using "mutual understanding" or "shared agreement", which are more common and clearer.

Is "understanding agreement" redundant?

It can be. Often, "agreement" implies a level of understanding, so specifying both might be unnecessary. It depends on whether you want to emphasize that there is comprehension of the agreement.

What is the difference between "understanding agreement" and "agreement"?

"Agreement" refers to the act of concurring, while "understanding agreement" emphasizes the comprehension of the terms within that agreement. The second one is less common and not necessarily clearer.