Agreement on or of: Which One to Use?
As a copy editor, one of the most common questions I come across is whether to use “agreement on” or “agreement of”. Both of these phrases are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings and contexts in which they should be used. In this article, we`ll explore the differences between agreement on and agreement of, and provide some tips on how to use them correctly.
Agreement on
Agreement on is used when two or more parties come to an agreement about something. This agreement can be about anything, from a business deal to a personal matter. For example, “The two companies reached an agreement on the terms of the contract.” In this sentence, “agreement on” is used because two parties (the two companies) have agreed on the terms of the contract.
Another example of using “agreement on” correctly is, “The board members reached an agreement on the new policy.” In this sentence, “agreement on” is used because the board members have come to an agreement about the new policy.
Agreement of
Agreement of is used when the subject of the agreement is singular, such as a person or an entity. For example, “The agreement of the CEO was necessary before the project could move forward.” In this sentence, “agreement of” is used because the CEO is the singular subject of the agreement.
Another example of using “agreement of” is, “The agreement of the landlord was required before the tenant could make any renovations.” In this sentence, “agreement of” is used because the landlord is the singular subject of the agreement.
Tips for Using Agreement On and Agreement Of
It`s important to understand the context in which agreement on and agreement of are used. Here are some tips to help you use them correctly:
– If there are multiple parties involved in an agreement, use “agreement on.”
– If the subject of the agreement is singular, use “agreement of.”
– If you`re unsure which one to use, try rephrasing the sentence. For example, instead of saying “The agreement of the parties,” you can say “The parties reached an agreement on.”
– Be consistent with your usage. If you use “agreement on” in one sentence, don`t switch to “agreement of” in the next sentence.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between agreement on and agreement of is important for effective communication. By following the tips outlined above, you can use these phrases correctly and avoid confusion.