Reach a Consensus, Strike a Deal
Explore common verb–noun combinations for agreements, negotiations, and decisions through short meeting recaps.
Preview
Questions with solutions-
1. 空欄を埋めてください。
After comparing the two venues, we ___ a decision to book the smaller one.
- held
- made
- did
Think of the usual verb for deciding something.
Show solution
After comparing the two venues, we made a decision to book the smaller one.
Use “make a decision” for deciding something; use “do” for activities such as doing research.
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2. 空欄を埋めてください。
We ___ a deadline of Friday so everyone knew when to send their feedback.
- set
- drew
- cast
The team established a cutoff date.
Show solution
We set a deadline of Friday so everyone knew when to send their feedback.
“Set a deadline” means establish a cutoff date. “Meet a deadline” means finish the work by that date.
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3. 空欄を埋めてください。
After discussing everyone's concerns, we ___ a consensus on the new schedule.
- arrived
- came
- reached
This verb connects directly to “a consensus,” without a preposition.
Show solution
After discussing everyone's concerns, we reached a consensus on the new schedule.
“Reach a consensus” means achieve general agreement within a group. With “arrive,” you would need “at.”
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4. 空欄を埋めてください。
Each board member ___ a vote, and the proposal passed by five votes to two.
- raised
- cast
- struck
The expression describes formally recording your choice.
Show solution
Each board member cast a vote, and the proposal passed by five votes to two.
“Cast a vote” works for paper ballots, electronic voting, and other formal voting methods.
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5. 空欄を埋めてください。
Opening the discussion with a new idea, Maya ___ a proposal to hold shorter meetings twice a week.
- came up
- went ahead
- put forward
The expression means present an idea for others to consider.
Show solution
Opening the discussion with a new idea, Maya put forward a proposal to hold shorter meetings twice a week.
“Put forward a proposal” means suggest it for discussion, not put it into action.
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6. 空欄を埋めてください。
The project could not start until the director ___ her approval.
- gave
- reached
- set
The director needed to formally say yes.
Show solution
The project could not start until the director gave her approval.
“Give approval” means authorize something. In meeting notes, “give the go-ahead” is a less formal alternative.
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7. 正しい答えを選んでください。
What did the two sides achieve?
The supplier accepted a lower price in exchange for a longer contract. We accepted the longer contract, and both sides signed.
- They broke off negotiations.
- They withdrew their offers.
- They struck a deal.
Each side accepted something in return for a benefit.
Show solution
- They struck a deal.
“Strike a deal” highlights a negotiated agreement, often involving an exchange of benefits.
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8. 空欄を埋めてください。
We asked our partner to ___ its commitment by delivering the equipment exactly as promised.
- withdraw
- honor
- postpone
The partner was expected to keep its promise.
Show solution
We asked our partner to honor its commitment by delivering the equipment exactly as promised.
“Honor a commitment” means do what you promised. Here, “honor” describes an action, not a feeling of respect.
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9. 空欄を埋めてください。
The client rejected our fee as too high. To secure the agreement, we ___ a concession by reducing it.
- made
- did
- took
We gave up part of what we originally wanted.
Show solution
The client rejected our fee as too high. To secure the agreement, we made a concession by reducing it.
“Make a concession” means give something up to help reach agreement; it does not mean abandon your whole position.
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10. 正しい答えを選んでください。
What did the compromise achieve?
The delivery issue had stopped all progress. A compromise let talks resume, although prices still had to be discussed.
- It settled the entire agreement.
- It broke the deadlock.
- It brought negotiations to a close.
The talks could move forward again, but the work was not finished.
Show solution
- It broke the deadlock.
“Break a deadlock” means restore progress when neither side will move. It does not mean every issue has been settled.
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11. 空欄を埋めてください。
The test results were still missing, so we decided to ___ judgment until we had the full report.
- conserve
- preserve
- reserve
The team delayed forming a final opinion.
Show solution
The test results were still missing, so we decided to reserve judgment until we had the full report.
“Reserve judgment” means wait before forming or expressing an opinion, usually because more information is needed.
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12. 正しい答えを選んでください。
Which phrase describes the decision's role in future cases?
We allowed remote voting for the first time. Future committees may use today's decision as an example when requesting the same arrangement.
- It sets a precedent.
- It follows an established precedent.
- It avoids setting a precedent.
This new decision could guide similar decisions later.
Show solution
- It sets a precedent.
A “precedent” is an earlier action or decision that becomes a reference point for similar cases.