agree
A1Neutral (used across all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
To have the same opinion or to consent.
To be in harmony or accord; to correspond; to be suitable or acceptable; to reach a mutual decision.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb requires a complement (with, on, to, that-clause, etc.). It can describe interpersonal consensus, logical correspondence, or grammatical concord.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. 'Agree with' a person/idea is universal. 'Agree to' a proposal is universal. 'Agree on/about' a subject is universal. The structure 'I couldn't agree more' is slightly more frequent in British English.
Connotations
Identical in core meaning. The phrasal verb 'agree to differ' (to accept a disagreement) is slightly more British.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties with no significant disparity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
agree with [person/idea]agree on [topic/plan]agree to [proposal/action]agree that [clause]agree [intransitive]agree to do somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “agree to differ”
- “couldn't agree more”
- “agree in principle”
- “not agree with someone (make ill)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in negotiations, contracts, and meetings ('We agree the terms', 'Parties agree to the merger').
Academic
Used to indicate consensus in research or argument ('Scholars agree that...', 'The data agrees with the hypothesis').
Everyday
Used for personal opinions and plans ('I agree with you', 'Let's agree on a time').
Technical
In grammar, subject-verb agreement; in computing, protocol agreement.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee couldn't agree on a venue.
- I don't agree with his politics.
- They agreed to meet at half eight.
American English
- The committee couldn't agree on a location.
- I don't agree with his politics.
- They agreed to meet at eight-thirty.
adverb
British English
- She nodded agreeably.
- The meeting ended agreeably.
American English
- She nodded agreeably.
- The meeting ended agreeably.
adjective
British English
- The agreeable weather made for a lovely picnic.
- He was in an agreeable mood.
American English
- The agreeable weather made for a great picnic.
- He was in an agreeable mood.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I agree with you.
- We agree on this.
- Do you agree?
- They finally agreed to help us.
- I don't agree with your decision.
- We need to agree on a price.
- The two studies agree in their conclusions.
- I reluctantly agreed to his demands.
- All members agreed that the rule was unfair.
- The contract was void as the parties had not genuinely agreed to its terms.
- His account of events does not agree with the documentary evidence.
- The proposal was agreed in principle, pending a financial review.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A GREEN light' means GO – when people AGREE, things can go forward.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENT IS ALIGNMENT / AGREEMENT IS HARMONY (e.g., 'we are aligned', 'in harmony with').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'соглашаться с + instrumental case' as 'agree with + noun' only for people/ideas. Use 'agree on' for topics. Russian 'подходить' (as in food agreeing with someone) maps to 'agree with' in English ('Spicy food doesn't agree with me').
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I am agree.' (Correct: 'I agree.'). Incorrect: 'We agreed the plan.' (Ambiguous; better: 'We agreed on/to the plan.'). Overusing 'agree' without necessary preposition.
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition completes the sentence: 'I strongly agree ____ your analysis of the situation.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Agree with' a person or idea. 'Agree on' a specific topic or plan. 'Agree to' a proposal or to do something.
Yes, intransitively ('We agree.') or with a that-clause ('We agree that it's important.'). In British English, 'agree' can sometimes be transitive with a direct object like 'terms' or 'price'.
No. 'Agree' is a verb, not an adjective here. Correct: 'I agree' or 'I am in agreement'.
It's an idiomatic use meaning 'is suitable/healthy for', often referring to food causing mild illness or discomfort.
Collections
Part of a collection
Media and Communication
B1 · 50 words · Language for discussing media and communication.