Meaning & use
agree in principle
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
To accept the main idea of a plan or proposal, but not yet agree to all the details.
Grammar: Used as a verb phrase. It often comes after 'we' or 'they' and is followed by 'but' or a condition: We agree in principle, but we need to discuss the cost.
Patterns
- agree in principle to something
- agree in principle that ...
- agree in principle with someone
The committee agreed in principle to the new building project, but asked for more information about the budget.
We agree in principle with your proposal, but we have some concerns about the timeline.
They agreed in principle that the two companies should work together, though the final contract is not signed yet.
phrasefixed phraseformal
To accept a general rule or idea without discussing how it will work in practice.
Grammar: Often used in discussions about ethics, politics, or law. It suggests agreement with the theory, not the practical application.
Patterns
- agree in principle that ...
- agree in principle to something
Most countries agree in principle that climate change must be tackled, but they disagree on how to do it.
The two sides agree in principle that workers should be paid fairly, but they cannot agree on the minimum wage.
Common combinations
- agree in principle to something
- The board agreed in principle to the merger.
- agree in principle with someone
- I agree in principle with what you are saying.
- agree in principle that ...
- We agree in principle that change is needed.
- accept in principle
- The idea was accepted in principle, but no money was promised.
Synonyms and how they differ
- agree provisionally
- This means agreeing on a temporary basis, often subject to final approval, while 'agree in principle' focuses on the main idea rather than the details.
- accept in principle
- This is very similar but emphasizes accepting rather than agreeing; it is often used when one side accepts a proposal.
Opposites
Commonly confused: agree in principle or agree on principle?
agree in principle vs agree on principle
This is not a common phrase. 'Agree in principle' means agreeing to the main idea; 'on principle' means because of a moral rule, e.g., 'She refused on principle.'
Practice
The government has agreed ___ principle to the new education plan, but says it needs more funding.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'agree in principle', meaning to accept the main idea. 'Agree on' is used for specific points (agree on a price), 'agree with' is used for people or ideas you share an opinion with, and 'agree at' is not used.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “agree in principle”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.