a consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "a consensus" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is a noun meaning the general agreement of all members of a group or an agreement between different groups. For example: After much discussion, the team finally reached a consensus about how to proceed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But was there a consensus?

The New York Times

"We must have a consensus.

The Guardian

"Reaching a consensus is complicated".

The New York Times

Because there's a consensus.

The New York Times

A consensus emerged.

The New York Times - Tech

That's a consensus".

The New Yorker

There is also a consensus on policy.

The Economist

But the Arabs still lack a consensus.

The Economist

I think that's a consensus opinion.

The New York Times

You correct it by building a consensus.

The New Yorker

"That's why we need a consensus".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for persuasion, clearly articulate the rationale behind the "consensus" to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders.

Common error

Don't assume "a consensus" exists without explicitly confirming agreement among all involved parties. Unconfirmed assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and flawed decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a consensus" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, referring to a general agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its common use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a consensus" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that denotes a general agreement among a group. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance across various domains, particularly in news, science, and formal business contexts. While it's crucial for effective decision-making, it's essential to avoid assuming consensus without proper validation and to be mindful of the context when aiming for persuasion. Consider alternatives like "a general agreement" or "a common understanding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general agreement

Replaces "consensus" with more common words, maintaining the core idea of agreement.

a common understanding

Focuses on shared comprehension rather than a formal agreement.

a unified opinion

Highlights the idea of a single, shared viewpoint.

an accord

A more formal synonym for agreement, suitable for official contexts.

a mutual understanding

Emphasizes the reciprocity of the understanding between parties.

a unanimous decision

Stresses that everyone is in agreement, leaving no room for dissent.

a shared view

A simpler way to express having the same perspective.

an accepted view

Highlights that a particular perspective has gained wide acceptance.

a collective agreement

Emphasizes the group nature of the agreement.

a convergence of opinion

Suggests that different opinions have gradually come together to form one.

FAQs

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

You can use "a consensus" to indicate a general agreement among a group of people. For example, "After a lengthy debate, the committee reached "a consensus" on the proposed policy."

What's the difference between "a consensus" and "a compromise"?

"A consensus" implies that everyone fully agrees on a decision, while "a compromise" suggests that each party has given up something to reach an agreement.

What are some alternatives to using "a consensus"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a general agreement", "a common understanding", or "a unified opinion".

Is it always necessary to reach "a consensus" in decision-making?

While striving for ""a consensus"" is ideal, it may not always be feasible or efficient, especially in time-sensitive situations. Sometimes, majority rule or other decision-making processes may be more appropriate.