- Do you ever wonder if you’re using “agreement” correctly in formal discussions or business contexts?
- Are you unsure which prepositions to use with “agreement” to sound natural and fluent?
- Do you struggle to move beyond simple verbs like “make agreement” to more precise and idiomatic phrases?
Mastering collocations isn’t just about sounding more native; it’s about understanding the natural rhythm and common pairings of English words. By learning collocations with words like “agreement,” you unlock greater precision, enhance your comprehension, and significantly boost your confidence in both speaking and writing, making your communication flow seamlessly and professionally.
Essential Collocations using Agreement as a Noun
As a noun, “agreement” refers to a mutual understanding, a formal contract, or a state of being in harmony. The verb form is “agree.” Here, we focus on the powerful combinations that “agreement” forms with other words.
Making and Reaching Agreements
These collocations describe the process of establishing an agreement.
- reach an agreement: Both parties finally reached an agreement after hours of negotiation.
- come to an agreement: We hope to come to an agreement on the new contract terms by Friday.
- strike an agreement: The two companies managed to strike an agreement that will benefit both.
- negotiate an agreement: The lawyers are working hard to negotiate an agreement.
- broker an agreement: A third party was brought in to broker an agreement between the disputing factions.
- enter into an agreement: The companies decided to enter into an agreement to develop new technology.
Having and Holding Agreements
These phrases describe the state of possessing or upholding an agreement.
- have an agreement: We have an agreement to share the responsibilities equally.
- be in agreement: The entire team was in agreement on the project’s direction.
- be under an agreement: All employees are under an agreement not to disclose company secrets.
- mutual agreement: The decision was made by mutual agreement, pleasing everyone involved.
Types and Status of Agreements
Collocations that specify the nature or legal standing of an agreement.
- binding agreement: The contract is a binding agreement that cannot be easily broken.
- written agreement: Always ensure you have a written agreement for important transactions.
- verbal agreement: A verbal agreement is often harder to enforce than a written one.
- gentleman’s agreement: It was just a gentleman’s agreement, based on trust rather than legal force.
- firm agreement: They’ve come to a firm agreement on the terms.
- general agreement: There was a general agreement among the members regarding the change.
- preliminary agreement: They signed a preliminary agreement before finalizing the full contract.
- terms of an agreement: We need to review the terms of an agreement carefully before signing.
Changing or Ending Agreements
Phrases related to modifying or concluding an agreement.
- amend an agreement: They decided to amend an agreement to reflect new market conditions.
- break an agreement: Breaking an agreement can have serious legal consequences.
- violate an agreement: The company was accused of violating an agreement regarding data privacy.
- terminate an agreement: Either party can terminate an agreement with 30 days’ notice.
- cancel an agreement: We need to cancel an agreement if the conditions are not met.
- dissolve an agreement: The partnership decided to dissolve an agreement amicably.
Prepositions with Agreement
The correct prepositions are crucial for natural-sounding English.
- agreement on/about: There was no agreement on the new budget / an agreement about the best course of action.
- agreement with: I’m in agreement with your proposal.
- agreement between: An agreement between the two nations was signed last night.
- agreement to (do something): They came to an agreement to work together on the project.
Master Summary Table: Key Agreement Collocations
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| reach an agreement | Verb + Noun | To successfully conclude discussions and come to a mutual decision. |
| come to an agreement | Verb + Noun | To arrive at a consensus or understanding with others. |
| be in agreement | Verb + Preposition + Noun | To share the same opinion or understanding. |
| mutual agreement | Adjective + Noun | A decision or understanding made by all parties involved. |
| binding agreement | Adjective + Noun | A legally enforceable contract or promise. |
| written agreement | Adjective + Noun | An agreement that is formally documented on paper or digitally. |
| verbal agreement | Adjective + Noun | An agreement made orally, often less formal and harder to prove. |
| break an agreement | Verb + Noun | To fail to uphold the terms or promises of an agreement. |
| terminate an agreement | Verb + Noun | To formally bring a contract or agreement to an end. |
| terms of an agreement | Noun + Preposition + Noun | The specific conditions and details outlined in a contract. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Avoid these common pitfalls to make your English sound more natural and professional.
| Do Not Say (less natural/common) | Say This (more natural/idiomatic) |
|---|---|
| Make an agreement (often too direct) | Reach an agreement / Come to an agreement / Enter into an agreement |
| Have a good agreement | Be in strong agreement / Have a solid agreement |
| Go against an agreement | Break an agreement / Violate an agreement |
| Finish an agreement | Terminate an agreement / Conclude an agreement |
| A document agreement | A written agreement |
| The conditions of agreement | The terms of an agreement |
| Put an agreement | Draw up an agreement / Draft an agreement |
During yesterday’s crucial board meeting, we spent hours trying to reach an agreement on the new sustainability strategy. Initially, there was no general agreement among the directors, with strong opinions on both sides regarding the financial impact. However, after reviewing all the data and a productive discussion, we finally managed to come to an agreement on a phased implementation. We plan to have a written agreement drafted by the legal team next week, meticulously outlining the terms of the agreement. Everyone seemed to be in agreement that this strategic move would prevent us from accidentally breaking an agreement with our environmental commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Agreement Collocations
What’s the difference between “reach an agreement” and “come to an agreement”?
Both phrases are very similar and often interchangeable, meaning to successfully conclude negotiations or discussions to a mutual understanding. “Reach an agreement” might imply a slightly more active process of striving towards it, while “come to an agreement” emphasizes the outcome or the arrival at that consensus.
Can I use “make an agreement”? Is it always wrong?
While “make an agreement” is grammatically correct and understandable, “reach an agreement,” “come to an agreement,” or “enter into an agreement” are far more idiomatic and natural in most formal and business contexts. “Make an agreement” can sometimes sound a bit simplistic or direct, especially when referring to complex negotiations, so it’s generally best to opt for the stronger collocations.
Which prepositions are most commonly used with “agreement”?
The most common prepositions used with “agreement” are:
- on/about: to specify the topic or subject of the agreement (e.g., agreement on the budget, agreement about the changes).
- with: to indicate who or what you are in agreement with (e.g., in agreement with your proposal).
- between: for agreements involving two or more parties (e.g., agreement between the companies).
- to (do something): to express what the agreement entails (e.g., agreement to cooperate).
What does a “binding agreement” mean in a legal sense?
A “binding agreement” is a contract or pact that is legally enforceable. This means that if one party fails to uphold their part of the agreement, the other party can take legal action to ensure compliance or seek damages. It implies a strong, formal, and legally recognized commitment.
Is “gentleman’s agreement” still used in modern English, and what does it imply?
Yes, “gentleman’s agreement” is still used, though perhaps less frequently than in the past. It refers to an agreement based on mutual trust and honor, rather than one that is legally binding or written. It suggests an informal understanding that relies on good faith and verbal commitment, rather than formal legal enforcement.
Can I say 'we reached a verbal agreement regarding the project'? Is that grammatically sound?
Perfectly sound, Arnav! 'Reached a verbal agreement' is a very common and professional way to describe a deal that hasn't been written down yet. Well done!
I'm studying for the IELTS exam, and using these collocations instead of simple verbs will definitely help me get a higher score in the writing section.
Is 'accord' just a more formal word for 'agreement'? I see 'peace accord' in the news a lot.
Great eye, Kenji! 'Accord' is indeed more formal and is often used for international treaties or very high-level diplomatic agreements. For most business and personal needs, 'agreement' is the standard choice.
Does 'reaching an agreement' apply to sports too, like when a player signs with a new team?
I was confused by 'strike an agreement.' In my language, 'strike' usually means to hit or to stop working. This is a very interesting idiom!
It is a bit strange, isn't it, Santi? In this context, 'strike' comes from the idea of striking a bargain or even striking a coin. It implies finalizing a deal decisively.
Can you give more examples of adjectives that go with agreement? Like 'tentative agreement'?
The tip about 'natural rhythm' is so helpful. I realized I was focusing too much on grammar and not enough on which words 'like' to hang out together.
We love that phrase—words that 'like to hang out together'! That is exactly what collocations are. Once you learn the pairs, your English starts to sound much more 'native' effortlessly.
Is 'mutual agreement' redundant? Doesn't an agreement have to be mutual by definition?
I often confuse 'agreement' and 'contract.' Can I use these collocations with 'contract' too? Like 'reach a contract'?
That's a subtle distinction, Chen! While we 'reach an agreement,' we usually 'sign a contract' or 'enter into a contract.' A contract is the formal document, while the agreement is the understanding itself.
The article mentions 'agreement' as a noun. Is the collocation 'unanimous agreement' common when everyone thinks the same way?