Prepositions with nouns

In agreement or of agreement?

In agreement is the standard expression for sharing the same opinion or decision. Of agreement is not a normal fixed combination in current English.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use in agreement to mean that people have the same opinion or accept the same decision. The phrase of agreement is generally nonstandard as a fixed expression, though of can appear in longer noun phrases such as terms of agreement.

The committee was in agreement about the budget.
We are in agreement on the main issue.
They remained in agreement throughout the discussion.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in agreement with + person

Showing the same opinion as someone

Use in agreement with someone to show shared views or support.

I am in agreement with the manager.
The scientists were in agreement with each other.
2
in agreement on + topic

Naming the subject of agreement

Use on before the topic or issue people agree about.

The teams are in agreement on pricing.
We were in agreement on the final design.
3
reach an agreement

Talking about making a deal

Use reach an agreement for successful negotiation or discussion.

The companies finally reached an agreement after weeks of talks.
4
terms of agreement

Referring to conditions in a formal arrangement

Of agreement can appear inside a larger noun phrase such as terms of agreement, where of links two nouns.

Both sides accepted the terms of agreement.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in agreement
The board is in agreement on the proposal.
Standard expression meaning people share the same opinion.
of agreement
The phrase of agreement alone sounds unnatural in modern English.
Not a standard fixed expression.
agreement on
We reached agreement on the schedule.
Agreement about a topic or issue.
agreement with
Her agreement with the policy surprised me.
Support for or acceptance of something or someone.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of agreement as a fixed phrase

English normally uses in agreement, not of agreement, for shared opinions.

✕ They were of agreement. ✓ They were in agreement.

Confusing agreement on and agreement with

Use on for topics and with for people or opinions.

✕ We are in agreement with the budget. ✓ We are in agreement on the budget.

Leaving out the article

Agreement often needs an article in countable uses.

✕ They reached agreement yesterday. ✓ They reached an agreement yesterday.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The two departments were ___ agreement about the timeline.
2. We finally reached an agreement ___ the contract terms.
3. Which sentence is most natural?

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Frequently asked questions

Is of agreement ever correct?

It can appear inside larger noun phrases such as terms of agreement, but not usually as a fixed expression by itself.

Can I say in agreement with someone?

Yes. In agreement with someone means you share the same opinion.

What is the difference between agreement on and agreement with?

Agreement on refers to a topic or issue, while agreement with refers to a person, opinion, or idea.

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