Meaning & use
agrees
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“agrees” is a form of “agree”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitive
has the same opinion as someone else, or thinks a statement is correct
Grammar: No object needed, but often followed by 'with' plus a person or idea: she agrees with him.
Patterns
- agrees with someone
- agrees with something
- agrees about something
My father agrees with me about the new road.
She agrees with the critics who say the film is too long.
Everyone agrees that the test was harder than expected.
verbintransitive
says yes to a suggestion or request
Grammar: Often followed by 'to' plus a noun or verb: he agrees to the plan; he agrees to help.
Patterns
- agrees to something
- agrees to do something
The manager agrees to our request for extra training.
He agrees to lend us the van for the weekend.
She agrees to speak at the conference in June.
verbintransitive
matches another statement or piece of information and is therefore correct
Grammar: Usually followed by 'with': the total agrees with the receipt.
Patterns
- agrees with something
His story agrees with what the witnesses said.
The second total agrees with the first one, so the figures are right.
verbintransitive
(of food or weather) suits someone and does not make them feel unwell
Grammar: Used mainly in negative sentences with 'with': spicy food doesn't agree with me.
Patterns
- agrees with someone
I love cheese, but it doesn't agree with me.
The hot weather agrees with her — she looks healthier than ever.
Word forms
| base form | agree |
|---|---|
| past tense | agreed |
| past participle | agreed |
| -ing form | agreeing |
Common combinations
- agrees with someone
- She agrees with her sister on almost everything.
- agrees to a request
- The landlord agrees to a shorter contract.
- agrees in principle
- The board agrees in principle, but wants more details.
- agrees that
- The report agrees that more research is needed.
- agrees with the figures
- The auditor agrees with the figures in the report.
Synonyms and how they differ
- concurs
- Formal and mostly written; it means the same as 'agrees with' but sounds like an official document.
- consents
- Means 'agrees to' something after being asked, and stresses giving permission rather than sharing an opinion.
- matches
- Means the information fits or corresponds; it replaces 'agrees with' only in the sense of data being consistent.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: agrees or agree? agrees or agrees with?
agrees vs agree
'Agree' is used with I, you, we and they; 'agrees' only goes with he, she, it or a singular noun.
agrees vs agrees with
Do not confuse 'agrees with' (shares an opinion) and 'agrees to' (says yes to a suggestion).
Practice
The new evidence ___ with the earlier results, so the theory looks strong.
Choose one answer.
The subject 'evidence' is singular, so the verb needs the -s form 'agrees'. 'Agree' would be used with a plural subject, and 'are agreeing' is not used for facts like this.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “agrees”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.