Agreeance vs Agreement: Which One to Use?

Agreeance vs Agreement: Which One to Use? In the English language, clarity is key to effective communication, especially when you’re navigating formal writing, business communication, or legal documents. One area where confusion often arises is in the use of two similar-sounding words:

agreeance and agreement. So, which one should you use? Is there a noticeable difference between the two? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the agreeance vs agreement debate, explain when to use each, and clarify common misconceptions, backed by examples and real-world scenarios.

What’s the Difference Between Agreeance and Agreement?

At first glance, agreeance and agreement seem to be interchangeable. Both words share the idea of mutual understanding or consensus, but they are not used in exactly the same way or in all contexts. Let’s break down each term:

Agreement

Agreement is the more widely accepted and commonly used term in modern English. It refers to a mutual understanding, a contract, or an official arrangement between two or more parties. This term is frequently used in both formal and casual contexts and is the preferred word when discussing legal, professional, or business matters.

• Agreement can refer to:
  • A formal contract (e.g., a rental agreement).
  • Consensus between people (e.g., the agreement on a decision).
  • A shared view or understanding.

Agreeance

On the other hand, agreeance is a much rarer term in modern English. It is considered outdated and not commonly used in formal writing or in business communication. The word agreeance is often found in archaic English, meaning it was used in earlier times but has largely fallen out of favor today. It generally refers to the act of agreeing or being in agreement, though it sounds less polished and more informal.

• Agreeance can refer to:
  • Being in agreement with someone (though this is rare and somewhat archaic).
  • A state of harmony or concurrence (though this usage is rare).

Key Takeaway: When to Use Agreement vs Agreeance?

In modern usage, agreement is the correct term for nearly all situations. Agreeance is often seen as an outdated, nonstandard alternative that should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings.

Agreeance vs Agreement: When to Use Each?

Let’s explore some real-life scenarios to make it easier to understand when to use each term.

Scenario 1: Business Email

Imagine you are sending a follow-up email to a colleague, Sarah, after a meeting. You want to confirm that everyone is on the same page regarding the decision made.

Correct Usage: Agreement

Subject: Follow-Up on Meeting Decision

Dear Sarah,

I just wanted to confirm that we are all in agreement regarding the plan for the new project. As discussed, the team will begin working on the new marketing strategy next week. Please let me know if you have any concerns or would like to propose changes.

Best regards,
John

In this scenario, agreement is the correct word to use. It sounds professional, clear, and aligns with common business communication practices.

Incorrect Usage: Agreeance

Subject: Follow-Up on Meeting Decision

Dear Sarah,

I just wanted to confirm that we are all in agreeance regarding the plan for the new project. As discussed, the team will begin working on the new marketing strategy next week. Please let me know if you have any concerns or would like to propose changes.

Best regards,
John

Using agreeance in this case would sound outdated and less polished. It may confuse your recipient, especially in a professional context where clarity is paramount.

Scenario 2: Casual Conversation

Now, imagine a casual conversation with a friend. You’re discussing whether or not to go on a weekend trip together.

Correct Usage: Agreement

Friend 1: “I think we should go to the beach this weekend.” Friend 2: “I’m totally in agreement with that! It’ll be fun.”

Here, agreement is perfectly natural. It communicates a shared understanding between friends in a way that is both clear and conversational.

Incorrect Usage: Agreeance

Friend 1: “I think we should go to the beach this weekend.” Friend 2: “I’m totally in agreeance with that! It’ll be fun.”

Using agreeance in this situation would sound awkward and out of place in casual conversation.

Why Is Agreement Preferred Over Agreeance?

You may be wondering: if agreeance isn’t technically wrong, why does agreement have such an edge in modern English?

Agreement vs Agreeance: A Historical Perspective

Let’s take a look at the etymology of agreeance. The word agreeance has roots in older forms of English, where it was more commonly used. However, as language evolved, agreement gradually took over as the standard term. Over time, agreeance became archaic and is now primarily used in some regional dialects, though it’s largely absent in formal English.

Archaic Terms and Their Place in Modern English

In English, some words gradually fall out of usage as the language develops and shifts. Agreeance is one such example. While it’s not necessarily incorrect to use it in informal contexts (or in literature or historical writing), it’s not ideal for business communication or legal documents, where precision and clarity are essential.

Clear Writing in Business and Legal Contexts

In business communication, clarity is essential. Using non-standard words like agreeance can create confusion and make your writing seem less professional. For example, consider a legal contract:

Correct Usage: Agreement

“This Agreement is made between Company A and Company B to formalize the terms of the partnership.”

Incorrect Usage: Agreeance

“This Agreeance is made between Company A and Company B to formalize the terms of the partnership.”

In a legal document, precision is everything. Using agreeance here would be seen as unprofessional and may undermine the contract’s authority.

Synonyms for Agreement

When you find yourself using agreement too frequently, here are some suitable synonyms that can help diversify your writing:

• Consensus
• Understanding
• Accord
• Deal
• Contract
• Arrangement
• Pact

The Importance of Using the Right Term

When it comes to professional and legal writing, choosing the right word is essential for maintaining clarity and professionalism. Agreement is the preferred term because it is universally understood, widely accepted, and sounds appropriate in almost any situation, whether formal or informal.

In Agreeance or In Agreement?

Another common confusion occurs with the phrase in agreement versus in agreeance.

• In agreement is the correct and more widely accepted form.
  • Example: “I am in agreement with the proposal.”
• In agreeance is an outdated or nonstandard alternative that should be avoided in formal writing.

In agreement is universally understood and will always sound more polished in both casual and professional contexts.

Agreeance vs Agreement Which One to Use?

If you’re still unsure, always opt for agreement in most situations. Whether you’re crafting a business email, writing legal documents, or simply having a casual conversation, agreement is the safer and more widely accepted term.

Term	Usage	Context
Agreement	Preferred term, used for mutual understanding, contracts, etc.	Business, legal, formal, casual
Agreeance	Archaic and outdated, rarely used in modern English	Informal or regional, should be avoided in professional writing

Conclusion

In summary, the agreeance vs agreement debate is clear. While agreeance may have had its place in older forms of English, agreement is the correct and preferred choice in modern English, especially in professional, legal, and business contexts. Using agreement ensures clear writing, maintains professionalism, and keeps your communication in line with contemporary language standards.

If you’re ever unsure, always remember: agreement is the safe bet. It’s universally understood, accepted in all types of communication, and will never make your writing sound outdated or out of place.