verbal contract

USAGE SUMMARY

"verbal contract" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a mutual agreement that has been reached orally between two or more parties, rather than in writing. For example: "The landlord and the tenant agreed to a verbal contract regarding the lease of the apartment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"It's a verbal contract.

Independent

Both Blatter and Platini have said they believed their verbal contract was legal under Swiss law.

The Guardian - Sport

The verbal contract required set words or patterns of words to be spoken.

Britannica

Williams also threatened to take action if the verbal contract agreed in December was broken.

Independent

So is a verbal contract worth the paper it's not written on?

Independent

Dyke said: "A verbal contract, 10 years later, seems to me to be unrealistic".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

A line weaved down the block, and smokers secured verbal contracts for reëntry before stepping out.

The New Yorker

However, this requirement of certainty is where verbal contracts invariable encounter difficulties when a dispute between the parties has arisen, since those terms are very difficult to ascertain.

Independent

Fedorov told me that whenever he asked for a contract to formalize his compensation Guryev deflected the request by saying, "You don't trust me or something?" (Two other employees told me that PhosAgro, in its early days, established compensation almost entirely by verbal contracts).

The New Yorker

As Samuels identifies, the problem with industries in which contractual obligations (including verbal contracts) cannot be enforced by the courts is that they inevitably drift into exploitation and unethical business practices, a natural product of state legalization that is contradicted by federal enforcement of national anti-marijuana laws.

The New Yorker

"I had just verbal contracts.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before relying on a "verbal contract", understand the laws in your jurisdiction regarding their enforceability. Some contracts require a written agreement to be legally binding.

Common error

Don't assume a "verbal contract" is automatically enforceable. Gather as much corroborating evidence as possible, such as witnesses, emails, or related documents, to support your claim in case of a dispute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verbal contract" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of agreement made through spoken words rather than written documentation. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "verbal contract" refers to an agreement made orally rather than in writing. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. While common, the enforceability of a "verbal contract" can be challenging due to the difficulty of proving its terms. Thus, documenting the agreement in writing, even informally, is advisable. Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalence in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, with neutral formality. Related phrases include "oral agreement" and "unwritten agreement", offering similar meanings. When using "verbal contract", understand its legal implications and gather supporting evidence to ensure enforceability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oral agreement

Replaces "verbal contract" with a different term for spoken agreement, emphasizing the spoken aspect.

spoken agreement

Focuses on the act of speaking the terms, rather than the legal implication.

unwritten agreement

Highlights the lack of a written document, which is a key characteristic of a verbal contract.

gentleman's agreement

Implies an agreement based on trust and honor, rather than legal enforceability.

handshake deal

Suggests a deal sealed with a handshake, symbolizing trust and informal agreement.

oral understanding

Emphasizes a shared understanding that has been communicated verbally.

word-of-mouth contract

Highlights the reliance on spoken communication rather than written documentation.

informal agreement

Focuses on the relaxed nature of the agreement without formal documentation.

unspoken understanding

This refers to an understanding which is not explicitly said, but still understood.

nod and a wink agreement

Implies a tacit agreement without explicit verbalization or formal documentation.

FAQs

How enforceable is a "verbal contract"?

The enforceability of a "verbal contract" depends on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the agreement. Some types of contracts, like those involving real estate or lasting over a year, often require written documentation to be legally binding. Proving the terms of a "verbal contract" can also be challenging.

What should I do if someone breaches a "verbal contract" with me?

If someone breaches a "verbal contract", gather any evidence you have, such as witnesses, emails, or text messages, that support the existence and terms of the agreement. Consult with a lawyer to explore your legal options.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a "verbal contract" versus a written one?

A "verbal contract" can be quicker and more flexible than a written one, but it's often harder to prove its terms in case of a dispute. A written contract provides a clear and documented record of the agreement, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and making enforcement easier.

What's the difference between a "verbal contract" and an "oral agreement"?

The terms "verbal contract" and "oral agreement" are often used interchangeably to describe an agreement that is spoken rather than written. In most contexts, they mean the same thing.