reach agreement vs reach an agreement

Both "reach agreement" and "reach an agreement" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Reach agreement" is more commonly used in a general sense, while "reach an agreement" is used when referring to a specific agreement. The choice between the two depends on the level of specificity needed in the sentence.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 2050 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"reach agreement"

This phrase is used in a general sense to indicate reaching a mutual understanding or decision without specifying a particular agreement.

Examples:

After much discussion, they were finally able to reach agreement.
The two parties were unable to reach agreement on the terms of the contract.

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There is willingness to reach agreement; very tentatively, things are moving in Europe.
We will need to strike an overall balance in order to reach agreement.
I hope that we can reach agreement with the Council on this matter.
We have therefore established a form of complementarity: we help the Member States to reach agreement.
I hope that this will enable us to reach agreement.
We can then reach agreement with everyone involved and achieve all these fine goals.
At last it seems that the Intergovernmental Conference might reach agreement on the new Constitution.
I am also delighted that it was possible to reach agreement on other important appointments.
Keep on trying to reach agreement.
It is difficult but certainly not impossible to reach agreement in Nice.
I believe that we can reach agreement on that.
I hope we can reach agreement on something corresponding to the Council's proposal.
They enabled us to reach agreement on difficult points.
We will therefore have to reach agreement on the rules.
Mr President, it was not easy to reach agreement on the ecopoints.
If an objection is lodged, the interested parties have six months to reach agreement.
European business has suffered from the failure to reach agreement on the European Company Statute and related measures.
But it is also important to reach agreement.
All members reaffirmed a willingness to reach agreement by this summer.
It looks as though we can reach agreement on first reading.

Alternatives:

come to an agreement
achieve agreement
attain agreement
arrive at agreement
establish agreement

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"reach an agreement"

This phrase is used when referring to a specific agreement that has been reached between parties.

Examples:

They were finally able to reach an agreement on the terms of the contract.
After much negotiation, the two countries were able to reach an agreement.

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Yesterday, they finally managed to reach an agreement.
They can talk about it and reach an agreement.
We need to reach an agreement regarding the team.
Perhaps the two of us can reach an agreement.
I am satisfied that it has been possible to reach an agreement at second reading.
Our three institutions have worked hard in recent months to reach an agreement at second reading.
We should meet, to reach an agreement.
Then we could try one more time to reach an agreement.
They reach an agreement - encourage each other to consciousness and become one.
I imagine you're trying to reach an agreement.
I'm confident we can reach an agreement.
Esau found it difficult, however, to reach an agreement with the Albanians.
Various reasons have been given for the two companies failing to reach an agreement.
From this framework, the two nations negotiated to reach an agreement that met their particular concerns.
These member states were not able to reach an agreement.
These member states were not able to reach an agreement.
In often faulty English, this piebald assembly has to reach an agreement.
Shortly before midnight, the Committee was adjourned, having been unable to reach an agreement.
The Italian presidency however was able to reach an agreement last November.
Parliament and the Council have barely 18 months to reach an agreement on the present proposal.

Alternatives:

come to an agreement
achieve an agreement
attain an agreement
arrive at an agreement
establish an agreement

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reach agreement vs reach an agreement

"reach agreement"

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