a broad consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "a broad consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a general agreement among a large group of people, usually on a controversial issue. For example, "A broad consensus has emerged among climate scientists that drastic action must be taken to reduce global emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is a broad consensus.

The Guardian

There's not a broad consensus on that".

The New York Times - Health

There is a broad consensus that Jews are well integrated.

The New York Times

Among policy wonks like me, there is a broad consensus.

The New York Times

A broad consensus has emerged that the system is broken.

The New York Times

From the 1960s there had been a broad consensus that higher education should expand.

The Guardian

"One of the great things that's happened is there really is a broad consensus on campus".

The New York Times - Arts

It represents political compromise and a broad consensus about individual rights.

The New Yorker

There was a broad consensus for change among those who submitted evidence to the MPs.

The Guardian

The health committee's enquiry found a broad consensus in favour of implementing Dilnot's findings.

The Guardian

"You don't get referendums passed unless there is a broad consensus in favour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad consensus", ensure the context clearly indicates who is in agreement. Specify the group or field where the consensus exists to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad consensus" to suggest complete agreement when nuanced disagreements persist. Acknowledge remaining differences to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad consensus" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a generally accepted view or agreement, as shown by Ludwig's examples where it describes agreement on topics ranging from climate change to political issues. As also Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad consensus" is a noun phrase denoting widespread agreement, frequently employed in news, academic, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammar rules and serves to indicate that a particular view enjoys significant support. When using the phrase, be specific about the group in agreement and avoid overstating the level of unity, acknowledging any remaining disagreements. Be aware of alternatives like "general agreement" or "widespread agreement", depending on the specific meaning you intend to communicate. Its common usage across credible sources underscores its reliability in formal and neutral settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread agreement

Highlights the extent of the agreement across a population.

general acceptance

Highlights the widespread adoption or approval of something.

general agreement

Focuses on the state of agreement rather than the scope.

collective agreement

Highlights that the agreement is reached as a group.

general consent

Implies permission or approval from many people.

shared understanding

Emphasizes that the understanding is jointly held.

common understanding

Emphasizes shared knowledge and interpretation.

common accord

Focuses on harmony and alignment of opinions.

prevailing view

Suggests the most widely held opinion or belief.

majority opinion

Indicates the view held by more than half of a group.

FAQs

How can I use "a broad consensus" in a sentence?

You can use "a broad consensus" to indicate widespread agreement on a particular issue. For instance, "There is "a broad consensus" among scientists regarding the effects of climate change".

What are some alternatives to saying "a broad consensus"?

Alternatives include "general agreement", "widespread agreement", or "majority opinion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to use "a broad consensus" if there are still dissenting voices?

While "a broad consensus" suggests widespread agreement, it doesn't necessarily mean complete unanimity. It implies that the majority supports a particular view, even if some dissent remains. If only a portion of people agrees, consider using "some agreement".

What's the difference between "a broad consensus" and "unanimity"?

"A broad consensus" implies general agreement among many, while "unanimity" signifies complete agreement from everyone. "A broad consensus" allows for some dissent, whereas unanimity does not.