verbal agreement

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "verbal agreement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a discussion or agreement that followed verbal communication between two or more parties. For example: "The two companies reached a verbal agreement to merge their operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We have a tape of his verbal agreement," they threatened.

The New York Times

The rest come with nothing more than a verbal agreement.

The New York Times

Stone added: "A verbal agreement is entirely unprovable … So it's more he said, she said.

The Guardian

The judge upheld the verbal agreement and blocked payment of the $7 million prize.

The New York Times

They haven't signed the papers yet, Mr. DiCataldo says, but there's a verbal agreement.

The New York Times

A verbal agreement to commission or deliver content is sufficient in itself.

The Guardian

Nothing but the verbal agreement between the parties involved governs the business.

The Guardian - Opinion

Verbal agreement on the principles of engagement was made at that time.

The Guardian

I understand that there is verbal agreement between Arsenal and Özil.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's one thing to make a verbal agreement," Mr. Bush told reporters in Washington.

The New York Times

We had a verbal agreement that I would get a month's notice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When relying on a "verbal agreement", be mindful of the legal implications and the difficulty of proving its terms if disputes arise. Consider factors like jurisdiction and the nature of the agreement.

Common error

Don't assume a "verbal agreement" is automatically legally binding. While some are enforceable, many require written evidence, especially for significant transactions. Seek legal advice to understand enforceability in your specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verbal agreement" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of agreement that relies on spoken words rather than a written document. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts such as business deals, personal arrangements, and even international relations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "verbal agreement" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe an agreement reached through spoken communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, but also in scientific and general contexts. While it conveys the existence of an agreement, it also often implies informality or a potential lack of legal enforceability, especially compared to a written contract. When using or encountering a "verbal agreement", it's crucial to document it and understand its legal implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oral agreement

Replaces "verbal" with "oral", emphasizing the spoken nature of the agreement.

spoken accord

Substitutes both words, maintaining the meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

unwritten understanding

Highlights the lack of a written record, focusing on the implicit nature of the agreement.

gentleman's agreement

Implies an agreement based on trust and honor, typically informal and unwritten.

handshake deal

Emphasizes the symbolic gesture of a handshake as a sign of agreement.

informal arrangement

Focuses on the lack of formality in the agreement.

mutual understanding

Highlights the shared comprehension and agreement between parties.

understanding reached

Focuses on the action of coming to an agreement.

agreement in principle

Suggests a basic agreement on key points, but details may still need to be worked out.

tacit agreement

Implies an agreement that is understood without being explicitly stated.

FAQs

Is a "verbal agreement" legally binding?

A "verbal agreement" can be legally binding, but it depends on the specific situation, the jurisdiction, and the subject matter of the agreement. Some agreements, like those involving real estate, typically require a written contract to be enforceable. Consulting with a legal professional is always recommended.

What evidence can be used to prove a "verbal agreement"?

Proving a "verbal agreement" can be challenging, but potential evidence includes witness testimony, emails, text messages, or any other form of communication that supports the existence and terms of the agreement. Consistent behavior that aligns with the alleged agreement can also serve as supporting evidence.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a "verbal agreement" compared to a written contract?

A "verbal agreement" is simpler and faster to create than a written contract. However, it's more difficult to prove and enforce, and the terms may be easily disputed. A written contract provides a clear record of the agreement, reducing ambiguity and offering stronger legal protection.

What can I say instead of "verbal agreement"?

You can use alternatives like "oral agreement", "spoken accord", or "unwritten understanding" depending on the context.