Agreeance vs Agreement: Which One to Use?

The English language can be tricky sometimes, and confusing word choices are one of its major challenges. One of the most commonly debated word pairs is “agreeance” vs. “agreement.” While they may sound similar, they aren’t always interchangeable. This article will explore the differences between agreeance and agreement, helping you understand when and how to use each word.

1. Agreeance vs. Agreement: The Basics

First, let’s break down the definitions.

• Agreement: This is a formal or informal arrangement or understanding between two or more parties. It’s widely recognized as the correct term to express mutual consent or understanding.
• Agreeance: While this word may seem familiar, it’s often mistakenly used in place of agreement. Technically, agreeance is an outdated or non-standard form. It’s rarely used in modern English, except in some regional dialects, and is considered incorrect in formal writing.

2. Agreeance: Is It a Word?

To put it simply: agreeance is a word, but it’s outdated. It was once used, especially in earlier forms of English, but over time, it has fallen out of favor in standard usage.

When people say “I’m in agreeance,” what they mean is “I’m in agreement.” The phrase “in agreeance” has become a common mistake in modern speech. It is not considered grammatically correct, especially in professional or academic contexts.

Example:
Incorrect: I am in agreeance with your proposal.
Correct: I am in agreement with your proposal.

3. Agreeance vs. Agreement: Grammar Breakdown

Agreement is the clear winner when it comes to grammar. The word “agreeance” might sound like it fits, but it doesn’t. “Agreement” is used to describe a situation in which two or more people agree on something or enter into a contractual relationship.

• Agreement can be used in a variety of situations, from business contracts to personal discussions.
• Agreeance, however, is mostly considered a colloquial error in grammar.

4. The Origin of “Agreeance”

The word “agreeance” does have historical roots. It was used in Middle English, and some older forms of English did feature it more prominently. However, as English evolved, agreement became the preferred term.

In modern English, “agreeance” has become mostly obsolete. If you’re writing a formal email, a report, or a business document, using agreement is always the better choice.

5. Is “Agreeance” Used in Certain Dialects?

Yes, you might still hear agreeance used in some regional dialects, especially in areas with more colloquial or informal speech. However, this is usually not acceptable in formal writing, and using it could negatively affect your credibility, especially in professional or academic settings.

6. Examples of “Agreement” in Sentences

To see the correct usage of agreement, let’s go through a few scenarios.

• Scenario 1 (Email to a colleague):
  Subject: Project Discussion

Dear John,

I’m writing to confirm that we’re in agreement about the project timeline. As we discussed last week, we will aim to complete the first phase by next Friday.

Best regards,
Samantha

• Scenario 2 (Contract Language):
  The agreement between the two companies outlines the terms of their collaboration, specifying the deliverables and payment schedule.
• Scenario 3 (General conversation):
  After a long discussion, we finally reached an agreement on the budget for the event.

7. Examples of “Agreeance” in Sentences

While it’s better to avoid “agreeance,” here’s how it incorrectly appears in some contexts:

• Scenario 1 (Colloquial conversation):
  “I’m in agreeance with you on that decision.”
• Scenario 2 (Informal email):
  “I’m writing to let you know I’m in agreeance with your proposed changes to the schedule.”

While these sentences are understandable, they are grammatically incorrect and should be rewritten using “agreement.”

8. Synonyms for “Agreement”

If you find yourself overusing the word agreement, here are some synonyms that may help spice up your writing:

1. Understanding
2. Accord
3. Contract
4. Consensus
5. Arrangement
6. Deal
7. Settlement
8. Pact
9. Treaty
10. Compact

9. “I Am in Agreeance”: Why It’s Wrong

Many people mistakenly use the phrase “I am in agreeance,” but this is not grammatically correct. The proper phrasing is “I am in agreement.”

Example:
Incorrect: I am in agreeance with the decision.
Correct: I am in agreement with the decision.

10. The Pronunciation of “Agreeance”

The pronunciation of agreeance is fairly straightforward, but it’s not a term that should be used in formal contexts. It would be pronounced the same as “agreement,” with a slight emphasis on the first syllable: uh-gree-uhns.

11. Why Should You Avoid “Agreeance”?

Here’s why you should use agreement instead of agreeance:

• Agreement is the standard term used in modern English.
• Agreeance can sound unprofessional or outdated.
• If you’re aiming for clear communication in professional settings, it’s best to use the more widely accepted term.

12. When to Use “Agreement”

Use agreement whenever you are referring to:

• A formal or informal arrangement between two or more parties.
• Mutual consent or understanding on a matter.
• Written contracts or terms of conditions.
• Professional discussions or negotiations.

Example:

• Formal Contract: The agreement will be signed by both parties next week.

13. “In Agreement With” vs. “In Agreeance With”

When speaking or writing, you might hear people say “in agreeance with” something. This is incorrect. The proper expression is “in agreement with.”

Example:
Incorrect: She is in agreeance with the terms of the agreement.
Correct: She is in agreement with the terms of the agreement.

14. Formal vs. Informal Use

• Agreement is acceptable in both formal and informal settings.
• Agreeance is best avoided, especially in formal documents or business communication.

15. Different Contexts for “Agreement”

Let’s look at how agreement can be applied across different contexts.

• Business: “The agreement was finalized after several rounds of negotiation.”
• Personal Relationships: “We came to an agreement about the weekend plans.”
• Law: “The parties entered into a legally binding agreement.”

16. Common Mistakes: Confusing “Agreeance” with “Agreement”

It’s easy to confuse “agreeance” with “agreement” because the two words look and sound somewhat similar. However, remember that agreement is the correct form to use in most cases.

20 Quick Bullet Points to Remember:

1. Agreeance is outdated and non-standard.
2. Agreement is the widely accepted term.
3. Agreeance may appear in dialects, but avoid it in formal writing.
4. Use agreement for legal, business, and formal documents.
5. Agreement refers to mutual consent or understanding.
6. “I am in agreement” is correct, not “I am in agreeance.”
7. Agreeance is more common in speech than writing.
8. Agreement is used in contracts and negotiations.
9. Always double-check for the correct usage in professional communication.
10. Agreement is always grammatically correct.
11. Agreeance may confuse your audience.
12. Use agreement when in doubt.
13. Agreement can refer to both informal and formal arrangements.
14. Agreeance can make you sound unprofessional.
15. Agreement is the term used in law.
16. Replace “in agreeance with” with “in agreement with.”
17. Agreement has many synonyms like contract and pact.
18. Agreeance pronunciation is similar to agreement.
19. Using agreement increases clarity and professionalism.
20. Avoid agreeance in professional or academic settings.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to write more clearly, correctly, and confidently, leaving agreeance behind in favor of the more polished agreement.

Final Thoughts

The confusion between agreeance and agreement can be easily avoided by sticking to the correct form: agreement. Though agreeance may sound casual or familiar, it isn’t suitable for professional or formal writing. When in doubt, always go with agreement.