we already agreed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we already agreed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to remind someone of a prior agreement or decision that has been made. Example: "I understand your concerns, but we already agreed on the terms of the contract during our last meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

That's good news too because (B, B), we already agreed, was a Nash equilibrium in the one shot game.

Yale University

"He is essentially trying to formalize what we already agreed to do last year with the country's data protection officials," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

There we already agreed on bottom-up pledges to cut emissions, and in Paris we are talking about INDCs, or "intended nationally determined contributions," which is the same.

The Guardian

In other words, we already agreed to the experiment writ large merely by using Facebook (or for that matter, by being alive in a space where an advertisement is posted).

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have agreed to do what we already agreed to do," Mr. Roberts said on the Senate floor, "and that is to complete as best we can phase two of the Intelligence Committee's review of prewar intelligence in reference to Iraq".

The New York Times

And we already agreed that 'Hesperus' and 'Phosphorus' in (5) and (6) have different ordinary senses.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Many people argue that we increasingly live in online filter bubbles that only expose us to the ideas we already agree with.

University of California, Berkeley

tends to only have us see people who are just like us, and it always tends to show us information that we already agree with.

University of California, Berkeley

If that means people with whom we already agree, do we risk losing the important function that traditional media have played in challenging our views or preconceptions?

The Guardian

There are thousands of physicians who do not need to be persuaded by the president — because we already agree with him.

The New York Times

Its purpose isn't, or isn't merely, to allow us to hear our own voices, or the voices of those with whom we already agree.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we already agreed" to gently remind someone of a previous decision to avoid revisiting settled topics, ensuring meetings and discussions stay focused and productive.

Common error

Avoid using "we already agreed" in a way that stifles constructive dialogue. Instead, acknowledge new concerns while reaffirming the existing agreement, demonstrating flexibility and respect for evolving perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we already agreed" functions as a declarative statement used to remind or assert that a consensus or decision has been previously established. Ludwig confirms that it's used to refer back to a prior agreement. This aims to streamline conversations by referencing decisions that should be considered settled.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we already agreed" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned expression used to refer to a prior agreement or consensus. As verified by Ludwig, its purpose is to reinforce understanding, streamline communication, and maintain focus in discussions, preventing the re-opening of settled topics. While not exceptionally common, it finds usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Academia, making it a versatile phrase for indicating that a decision has already been made. The key is to use it judiciously, avoiding its misuse as a tool to shut down legitimate concerns or new information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we both agreed

Highlights that both parties agreed.

we've already settled

Indicates that a decision has been reached and finalized, implying a sense of resolution.

we had already decided

Shifts the focus to the decision-making process, highlighting that the agreement was a deliberate choice.

we previously concurred

Replaces "agreed" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing a professional or official setting.

we have a consensus

Highlights the collective agreement of a group, emphasizing the general accord.

we've established

Emphasizes that the agreement is a firmly established fact or principle, less focused on the act of agreeing.

we are in accord

A formal way to express agreement, emphasizing the harmony or unity of opinion.

it was already understood

Implies that the agreement was implicit or tacit, rather than explicitly stated.

we are of one mind

Suggests a complete and unified agreement, implying a shared perspective.

we're on the same page

An informal way of saying that everyone understands and agrees on the same thing.

FAQs

How can I use "we already agreed" in a sentence?

You can use "we already agreed" to refer back to a decision or understanding that has been previously established, for example: "I understand your concerns, but "we already agreed" to these terms last week".

What's a more formal alternative to "we already agreed"?

For a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "we previously concurred" or "we had already decided" to convey a similar meaning with greater formality.

When is it inappropriate to use "we already agreed"?

It's best to avoid using "we already agreed" if new information has come to light that significantly alters the context of the original agreement, or if the other party genuinely misunderstood the initial terms.

What's the difference between "we already agreed" and "we both agreed"?

"We already agreed" implies a collective decision or understanding that has been established in the past. "We both agreed" emphasizes that two specific parties were in agreement, but doesn't necessarily imply a broader consensus.