Is agreement formal or informal?

It is neutral. People use it in everyday speech, business, and formal writing.

What is the difference between agreement and contract?

An agreement is any accepted arrangement. A contract is a formal, usually written, legal agreement.

Can I say come to an agreement?

Yes. It is a very common phrase for finding a shared decision.

Is agreement used in IELTS writing?

Yes. It is useful in Academic and IELTS writing when describing shared decisions or opinions.

← Dictionary

agreement

/əˈɡriː.mənt/

IELTSAcademic

noun

An arrangement or decision that two or more people or groups accept. It can be written or spoken. It also means the act of agreeing.

We reached an agreement after the meeting.
The two sides signed an agreement.
There was no agreement on the final price.

Adinary Nuance

Agreement is broader and more neutral than deal or contract. Use deal for a more informal business arrangement, and contract when the agreement is official and usually written. Use agreement in everyday speech, business, and academic writing when you only want to say people accepted the same decision.

In other languages

Vietnamese: thỏa thuận
Spanish: acuerdo
Chinese: 协议
Japanese: 合意
Korean: 합의

Etymology

Agreement came into English from Old French in the Middle Ages, based on agree. It is related to the idea of people “being in accord.”

Common phrases

reach an agreementcome to an agreementsign an agreementagreement on

Synonyms

arrangement deal contract accord

Frequently asked questions

Is agreement formal or informal?: It is neutral. People use it in everyday speech, business, and formal writing.
What is the difference between agreement and contract?: An agreement is any accepted arrangement. A contract is a formal, usually written, legal agreement.
Can I say come to an agreement?: Yes. It is a very common phrase for finding a shared decision.
Is agreement used in IELTS writing?: Yes. It is useful in Academic and IELTS writing when describing shared decisions or opinions.