a consensus exists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a consensus exists" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when stating that there is general agreement among a group of people or experts on a particular issue or topic. Example: "After extensive discussions, it was concluded that a consensus exists regarding the need for policy reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

But others, to put it mildly, question whether a consensus exists.

The New York Times

Just because a consensus exists, though, doesn't mean that the consensus is correct.

The New York Times

Whatever the approach, a consensus exists on one point: assessment in higher education will never look the way it does in K-12, with its emphasis on high-stakes tests required for graduation or grade promotion.

The New York Times

But unlike in Washington, where a consensus exists among establishment Republicans, the fault lines in the states — where the issue is even more visceral and immediate — are not predictable.

The New York Times

If a consensus exists among critics poring over the latest instalment of Jon Favreau's gleaming superhero franchise, it's that Robert Downey Jr is the right man at the right time for Iron Man 2, a movie which, despite its numerous faults, ultimately delivers a highly entertaining sequel to the surprise comic-book hit of 2008.

The Guardian - Film

For the first time in this hundred-year struggle between Arabs and the Jewish state, a consensus exists in the Arab world regarding peace with Israel, based not on the previous land-for-peace formula but on full normalization of cultural, economic and political relations between the protagonists.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

China said Monday that such a consensus existed.

The New York Times

Even if a consensus existed on precisely what the regulatory quality index measured, converting a soft concept into a hard number raises other concerns.

The New York Times

In fall of this year, Adobe hosted artists and educators, philanthropists and policymakers from around the country to see if a consensus existed and to talk about an action agenda.

Huffington Post

Until recently, a consensus existed that pharmaceutical production in Africa was not viable or sustainable.

Globalization and Health

Although a consensus existed regarding the fact that ABA has to be exported from cells by a transporter, it was debated whether an importer is required, since under standard conditions the apoplast exhibits a pH of 5.5 6, a condition where a large proportion of ABA is protonated and easily diffuses through membranes.

Biochemical Society Transactions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a consensus exists" to clearly indicate that a general agreement has been reached among a group, particularly when presenting findings or summarizing discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "a consensus exists" when there are known dissenting opinions or significant disagreements. It's more accurate to say "there is a broad consensus" or "a general consensus" if acknowledging some level of dissent is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a consensus exists" functions as an assertion of agreement. It states that a general agreement is present on a particular issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a consensus exists" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a general agreement on a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms this. It finds application primarily in scientific and news contexts, conveying that a shared understanding is present, as detailed in Ludwig's analysis. When using this phrase, it is beneficial to ensure actual agreement to avoid overgeneralization, and to consider synonyms such as "there is agreement" for less formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is agreement

Replaces "consensus" with a simpler term, reducing formality.

agreement is present

Rearranges the sentence structure while maintaining a similar meaning.

there is a shared understanding

Focuses on the understanding aspect of a consensus.

a common view prevails

Implies widespread agreement or dominance of a particular viewpoint.

a general accord is present

Uses more formal language to indicate agreement.

most parties concur

Emphasizes the agreement between multiple parties.

there's widespread agreement

Highlights the breadth of the agreement.

a unified opinion stands

Suggests a firm and united perspective.

general agreement is evident

Highlights that the agreement can be clearly observed.

the prevailing opinion holds

Indicates the dominant viewpoint is consistent.

FAQs

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

You can use "a consensus exists" to indicate that there is a general agreement on a particular issue. For example, "After the meeting, a consensus exists that a new strategy is needed."

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

You can use alternatives such as "there is agreement", "agreement is present", or "there is a shared understanding".

Is it better to say "a consensus exists" or "there is a consensus"?

Both "a consensus exists" and "there is a consensus" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of your sentence. "A consensus exists" may sound slightly more formal.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a consensus exists"?

It is inappropriate to use "a consensus exists" when there are significant dissenting opinions or unresolved issues. In such cases, using qualifiers like "broad consensus" or "general agreement" may be more accurate.