Agreed vs. Agree — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on February 23, 2024
"Agreed" is the past tense of "agree," indicating a consensus or approval that has already been reached, while "agree" is the present tense form, expressing current consent or concurrence.
Difference Between Agreed and Agree
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Key Differences
When someone says they "agreed" to something, it signifies that a decision or consensus was reached in the past. This term is often used to refer back to decisions made during previous discussions or agreements. In contrast, when someone says they "agree" with something, it reflects a present action or state of being in concurrence with an idea, suggestion, or opinion. This distinction highlights the temporal difference between the two terms, with "agreed" pointing to past actions and "agree" to current or ongoing ones.
The use of "agreed" often implies that the agreement is binding or has been acted upon, as it references a commitment that has already been made. It can denote the conclusion of a negotiation or discussion, indicating that the parties involved have come to a mutual understanding or contract. Meanwhile, "agree" is more immediate and can imply a willingness to consent or align with something without the finality that "agreed" carries. This makes "agree" more flexible and less definitive than "agreed."
In legal or formal contexts, "agreed" can carry significant weight, as it may refer to agreements that are legally binding and have specific terms and conditions attached. This past tense form underscores the completion of an agreement process. On the other hand, "agree" in such contexts might be used to express preliminary consent, subject to further discussion or negotiation, indicating that the agreement process is still in progress.
"Agreed" is also used in expressions like "agreed upon," which emphasizes the mutual nature of the decision or consensus reached by all parties involved. This phrase solidifies the collective aspect of the agreement. Conversely, "agree" can be used in a more individual context, as in expressing personal concurrence with an idea or proposal, highlighting its use in expressing individual consent or opinion.
The transition from "agree" to "agreed" in discussions or negotiations marks the progression from deliberation to decision, reflecting the shift from considering and debating an issue to reaching a conclusion. This evolution from present to past tense mirrors the process of achieving consensus or approval among parties involved.
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Comparison Chart
Tense
Past
Present
Implication
Indicates a consensus or decision has been reached in the past.
Expresses current consent or concurrence.
Finality
Suggests a binding decision or commitment.
Indicates willingness or preliminary consent, possibly subject to change.
Context
Often used to refer back to established agreements or decisions.
Used to express present or ongoing consent or approval.
Usage
Can denote the conclusion of a negotiation or the finality of an agreement.
More flexible, indicating a current state of concurrence or alignment.
Compare with Definitions
Agreed
Consented to after a discussion.
We agreed on the terms yesterday.
Agree
To consent or concur with something.
I agree with your point.
Agreed
Reached a mutual decision.
The partners agreed to the merger last week.
Agree
To be in harmony or alignment.
Our goals agree with the company's mission.
Agreed
Concluded with a consensus.
It was agreed that the meeting would be postponed.
Agree
To decide jointly.
Let's agree on a date for the event.
Agreed
Conformed with a previous arrangement.
The contract was agreed in March.
Agree
To show accord in opinion or feeling.
We all agree that safety is a priority.
Agreed
Accepted as satisfactory by all parties.
The design was finally agreed upon.
Agree
To acknowledge or concede.
I agree that more research is needed.
Agreed
To come to an understanding or agreement, as by negotiating
We agreed on the price.
Agree
To admit, or come to one mind concerning; to settle; to arrange; as, to agree the fact; to agree differences.
Agreed
United by being of the same opinion;
Agreed in their distrust of authority
Agree
Be agreeable or suitable;
White wine doesn't agree with me
Agreed
To share an opinion or feeling; be in accord
I agree with you on that. We agree in our taste in music.
Agree
To accept or support a policy or program
I agree with the flat tax.
Agreed
In harmony.
We are much more agreed on goals than on methods.
Grammarians are agreed that contact clauses are a paratactic construction of two independent clauses.
Agree
To come to an understanding or agreement, as by negotiating
We agreed on the price.
Agree
To share an opinion about (something).
My doctor and I agree that I should quit smoking.
Agree
To make harmonious; to reconcile or make friends.
Agree
To share an opinion or feeling; be in accord.
I agree with you on that. We agree in our taste in music.
Common Curiosities
Is "agree" always about positive consent?
Primarily, "agree" indicates positive consent, but it can also mean acknowledging a point in a discussion, even if reluctantly.
What does "agreed" mean?
"Agreed" means that a consensus or approval was reached in the past.
How does context affect the use of "agreed" and "agree"?
The context, such as legal, informal, or personal, can influence the weight and implication of "agreed" and "agree," with "agreed" often carrying more finality.
Can "agree" indicate future consent?
"Agree" can indicate a willingness to consent in the future, especially when plans or proposals are being discussed.
How is "agree" used in a sentence?
"Agree" is used to express current consent, concurrence, or alignment with an idea or proposal.
Can "agreed" imply a legal commitment?
Yes, "agreed" can imply a legal commitment, especially when referring to contracts or formal agreements.
How does "agreed" function in legal documents?
In legal documents, "agreed" signifies that the terms have been accepted by all parties and are legally binding.
Is "agreed" only used in past tense narratives?
Mostly, but it can also be used in present tense narratives to refer to past agreements that are relevant to the current discussion.
Can organizations "agree" on something?
Yes, organizations can "agree" on proposals, partnerships, and initiatives, indicating institutional or collective consent.
Can "agree" be used when there's no verbal communication?
Yes, "agree" can be used to indicate concurrence through actions or non-verbal cues in addition to verbal communication.
How is "agreed" used in formal agreements?
In formal agreements, "agreed" is used to denote clauses, terms, and conditions that have been mutually accepted by all parties.
Can one "agree to disagree"?
Yes, the phrase "agree to disagree" is used when parties acknowledge their differences but choose not to let them hinder a relationship or process.
Does "agree" imply immediate consent?
"Agree" often implies immediate or present consent but can also reflect a general state of concurrence or alignment.
Is there a difference in usage between "agreed" and "have agreed"?
"Agreed" is simple past tense, while "have agreed" (present perfect tense) emphasizes the recent or continuing relevance of the agreement.
What role does negotiation play in moving from "agree" to "agreed"?
Negotiation is the process through which parties discuss, compromise, and eventually move from provisional "agree" to definitive "agreed."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
