working towards a compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working towards a compromise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing efforts to reach an agreement or resolution between differing parties or opinions. Example: "Both teams are working towards a compromise to ensure a successful collaboration on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The prime minister, Fouad Siniora, announced that his cabinet would assume presidential functions temporarily, while both his majority faction and its opponents pledged to continue working towards a compromise.Tensions are still high, but fears of imminent strife appear to have dissipated.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is that Mr Tadic and Mr Nikolic might work towards a compromise.

The Economist

Aceh's peace talks began in Helsinki in January 2005 and, over the next six months, worked towards a compromise in which Aceh could have a high degree of political and economic autonomy if it remained within Indonesia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many Democrats, eager to exude confidence, declined to comment publicly on the possibility of a Plan B. A House Democratic leadership aide said: "Obviously, the outcome of Tuesday's election will be a factor in how we move forward, but we are hopeful and continue to work towards a compromise that will garner 60 votes in the Senate.

The New York Times - Health

"We are working toward a compromise bill," the aide said.

The New York Times - Health

Rather than seeking a compromise, documents show both sides are working towards a "mutual recognition" treaty.

Vice

"We are working towards a swift solution.

The Guardian

1. Are you working towards a purpose?

Harvard Business Review

"We are actively working towards a solution".

BBC

You're working towards a larger vision.

HuffPost

Are you working towards an important exam?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "working towards a compromise", ensure that all parties involved are actively participating and willing to make concessions. This indicates a genuine effort to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

Common error

Avoid presenting "working towards a compromise" as a guaranteed win-win situation. A compromise inherently involves some level of concession from all sides, and complete satisfaction may not be attainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working towards a compromise" functions as a gerund phrase or participial phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "working towards a compromise" describes an active effort to reach an agreement through mutual concessions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While less common, the expression frequently appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, signaling a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure all parties actively participate in the process and recognize that compromise may not fully satisfy all needs. Consider related alternatives like "striving for a resolution" or "seeking common ground" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving for a resolution

Focuses more on the effort to solve a problem, rather than necessarily reaching an agreement.

seeking common ground

Emphasizes the search for shared beliefs or interests as a basis for agreement.

pursuing a middle ground

Highlights the attempt to find a position between two extremes.

collaborating on an agreement

Stresses the cooperative nature of developing an agreement.

negotiating a settlement

Implies a more formal and potentially contentious process of reaching an agreement.

endeavoring to reconcile differences

Focuses on overcoming disagreements to achieve harmony.

aiming for consensus

Suggests a goal of achieving complete agreement among all parties.

trying to find a balance

Emphasizes the need to equalize different elements to create a fair outcome.

attempting to broker a deal

Suggests a third party is involved in facilitating the agreement.

moving towards an understanding

Focuses on achieving mutual comprehension as a step towards agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "working towards a compromise" in a sentence?

You can use "working towards a compromise" to describe efforts to reach an agreement where all parties involved make concessions. For example, "The negotiators are "working towards a compromise" that addresses the concerns of both sides".

What are some alternatives to "working towards a compromise"?

Alternatives include "striving for a resolution", "seeking common ground", or "pursuing a middle ground". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to be "working towards a compromise"?

While compromise is often desirable, it's not always necessary or appropriate. In situations involving fundamental rights or ethical principles, for example, compromise may be undesirable. It is useful in the process of "collaborating on an agreement".

What's the difference between "working towards a compromise" and "making a concession"?

"Working towards a compromise" describes the overall effort to reach an agreement, while "making a concession" refers to a specific instance of giving up something to facilitate that agreement. Concessions are individual actions that contribute to "endeavoring to reconcile differences".