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Business English vocabulary · Negotiations

In principle

Meaning in business english, with examples

phraseCommon term

In business english, in principle means: In general terms, while details or further conditions remain unresolved.

In Turkish: prensipte, ilke olarak

How it is used

Used for preliminary agreement. Follow it with outstanding conditions when practical, so readers do not confuse broad support with final authorization.

Example sentences

  1. We agree in principle to extend the partnership, but the new fees still need discussion.

    The overall direction is accepted while an important commercial detail remains open.

  2. The board supported the move in principle and asked for a detailed cost estimate before approval.

    Support for the idea is not yet permission to commit money or complete the move.

Common collocations

  • agree in principle
  • approve in principle
  • proposalA formal plan or offer, written or spoken, that is put forward for others such as a client or management to consider and accept.
  • sign off onTo give official approval to a plan, document, budget or piece of work so that it can go ahead.

More terms: Negotiations

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