What Does “Shake on sth” Mean?
“Shake on sth” means to agree on something by shaking hands. It is often used when people make a promise or finalize a deal.
Introduction
The phrase Shake on sth meaning refers to the act of reaching an agreement, usually by physically shaking hands. This expression is common in both formal and informal settings. When two or more people “shake on” something, they confirm a promise, deal, or understanding without needing to write it down. This phrasal verb is widely used in business, negotiations, and everyday conversations. Knowing how to use “shake on sth” correctly can help you sound more natural and confident in English.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Shake on sth (shake on something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To agree on something by shaking hands
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Shake on sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it needs an object. The object (something) usually comes after “shake on.”
- Correct pattern: shake on + something
- Example: We shook on the deal.
- It is inseparable, so you cannot put the object between “shake” and “on.”
- Incorrect: *shake the deal on
How to Use Shake on sth?
Use “shake on sth” when talking about agreeing or confirming something important. It often relates to promises, deals, or agreements that are sealed by a handshake. This phrase is common in business contexts but can also be used informally between friends or colleagues.
Examples of things you can “shake on” include deals, agreements, promises, contracts, or plans.
Examples
When two people agree on a plan, they might say, “Let’s shake on it.”
- We shook on the contract after a long negotiation.
- Before leaving, they shook on the deal to ensure trust.
- Can we shake on this promise to help each other?
- They shook on the agreement without needing a lawyer.
- We always shake on our decisions to make them official.
Here are more examples of Shake on sth in a sentence to help you understand its use better.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse the word order or the object placement with this phrasal verb.
- Incorrect: *Can we shake the deal on?
- Correct: Can we shake on the deal?
- Incorrect: *They shook on it the agreement.
- Correct: They shook on the agreement.
Remember, “shake on” is inseparable and must be followed directly by the object.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “agree on,” “settle on,” and “make a deal.”
- Agree on: To come to a mutual decision, but does not imply a handshake.
- Settle on: To decide something after discussion, often less formal.
- Make a deal: To come to a business agreement, similar meaning but no physical action.
“Shake on sth” specifically includes the physical action of shaking hands, symbolizing trust and confirmation.
Common Collocations
People often use “shake on” with certain nouns related to agreements or promises.
- Shake on a deal – to confirm a business agreement
- Shake on a contract – to finalize a legal agreement
- Shake on a promise – to agree to keep a promise
- Shake on an agreement – to confirm mutual understanding
- Shake on a plan – to agree on a course of action
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of shake on sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Imagine two business partners finalizing their agreement.
John: I think we have everything ready for the project.
Anna: Yes, the terms are clear. Shall we shake on it?
John: Absolutely. Here’s to a successful partnership!
Anna: *Shakes John’s hand*
Practice
Try filling in the blanks with the correct form of “shake on”:
- They finally ________ the contract after weeks of talks.
- Can we ________ this deal before the meeting ends?
- We should ________ the agreement to make it official.
(Answers: shook on, shake on, shake on)
FAQ
- What does “shake on sth” mean?
It means to agree on something by shaking hands.
- Is “shake on sth” formal or informal?
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Can I say “shake on the deal”?
Yes, this is a common and correct phrase.
- Is “shake on sth” separable?
No, the object must come after “shake on.”
- What are synonyms for “shake on sth”?
Synonyms include “agree on,” “settle on,” and “make a deal.”
