Disagreement does not have to end a conversation.

The idea

Reach a compromise means arrive at an agreement in which each side gives up something. Use on or over to name the issue.

Examples

  • After hours of talks, the neighbours reached a compromise over the fence.
  • The union and the company reached a fair compromise on working hours.
  • We finally reached a practical compromise about where to hold the exhibition.
  • The two chefs reached a temporary compromise for the weekend menu.
  • The council hopes to reach a lasting compromise with local residents.
  • Both teams had to adjust their plans to reach a workable compromise.

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Watch out

Avoid do a compromise: the natural combination is reach a compromise.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the missing word. The families hope to ___ a compromise on the schedule. (reach / reaching)

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    reach

    reach follows to in the base form.

  2. Choose the missing word. The negotiators ___ a compromise yesterday. (reached / reach)

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    reached

    reached shows that the agreement happened yesterday.

  3. Choose the missing word. The partners reached a compromise ___ the price. (on / at)

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    on

    on introduces the price as the issue agreed upon.

Use it today

Describe a disagreement in which people could reach a compromise.