In the world of writing and editing, there are certain phrases and constructions that are commonly used but can cause confusion or uncertainty among readers. One such phrase is “in agreement subject to.”
When used correctly, “in agreement subject to” is a legal term that describes a situation in which two parties have agreed to certain terms, but those terms are dependent on certain conditions being met. For example, a contract might state that “the parties are in agreement subject to the approval of the board of directors.”
In this case, the parties have agreed to the terms of the contract, but the contract is not yet finalized because it is subject to the approval of the board of directors. If the board does not approve the contract, then the agreement between the parties is not binding.
However, “in agreement subject to” can also be used in a more general sense, as a sort of hedge or qualifier. In this usage, the phrase can add a layer of ambiguity or uncertainty to a statement.
For example, someone might say “I’m in agreement subject to further review of the details.” In this case, the speaker is saying that they agree in principle, but they reserve the right to change their mind if they find something they don’t like in the details.
This usage of “in agreement subject to” can be frustrating for readers or listeners because it can feel like the speaker is not fully committing to a position. It can also be confusing because it can be unclear what specific conditions or criteria the speaker is referring to.
As a copy editor, it is important to be aware of the potential ambiguity and confusion that can arise from the use of “in agreement subject to.” If you come across this phrase in a piece of writing, it may be worth asking the writer to clarify their meaning or to rephrase the sentence or passage in a way that is more specific and clear.
Ultimately, the key to avoiding confusion and uncertainty when using “in agreement subject to” is to be clear about the specific conditions or criteria that are being referred to. Whether it is in a legal contract or in a casual conversation, being specific and clear can help avoid misunderstandings down the line.
