a consensus on

USAGE SUMMARY

"a consensus on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a general agreement on a particular issue or set of beliefs. For example, "The council reached a consensus on the new construction plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should win: We're reached a consensus on this one.

Huffington Post

There is also a consensus on policy.

The Economist

A consensus on North Korea.

The New York Times

A consensus on the necessary transformation is growing.

The Guardian

The scientific community has come to a consensus on this.

The New York Times

Is there a consensus on what qualifies as a robot?

The New York Times

Architecture critics are close to a consensus on Haussmann.

The New York Times - Books

"There just is not a consensus on who should pay".

The New York Times

"It's really a consensus on what we know about mercury".

The New York Times

The principals quickly reached a consensus on attacking the gathering.

The Washington Post

But a consensus on their value is unlikely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a consensus on", ensure the subject of the consensus is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a consensus on the budget" rather than just "a consensus".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a consensus on" implies complete agreement from everyone. A consensus represents a generally accepted view, even if some individuals still hold dissenting opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a consensus on" functions as a noun phrase, indicating a general agreement or shared understanding about a particular topic. As shown in Ludwig, it often precedes the subject of the agreement, clarifying what the consensus pertains to. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a consensus on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a general agreement about a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, ensure the subject of the consensus is clear and remember that it signifies a general agreement, not necessarily unanimity. Consider alternatives like "an agreement on" or "a shared view on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Always aim for clarity to avoid ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an agreement on

Replaces "consensus" with "agreement", indicating a shared understanding or acceptance.

a shared view on

Emphasizes the commonality of perspective regarding a specific subject.

a unified opinion on

Highlights the aspect of different parties arriving at the same conclusion.

a general accord on

Uses "accord" to suggest harmony and agreement, indicating a formal understanding.

a collective decision on

Focuses on the decision-making process leading to a shared outcome.

a common understanding of

Shifts the focus to comprehension and mutual awareness.

widespread agreement about

Highlights the broad acceptance of a particular issue or topic.

general agreement regarding

Emphasizes the broad nature of the agreement about the topic.

broad concurrence on

Replaces "consensus" with concurrence stressing alignment.

a settled position on

Conveys a sense of finality and agreement that is no longer open for debate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a consensus on" to indicate a general agreement about something. For example: "The committee reached "a consensus on" the new policy".

What's the difference between "a consensus on" and "a agreement on"?

"A consensus on" implies a more general and widespread agreement, often after discussion and compromise. "An agreement on"/"an agreement on" might refer to a specific point or deal that has been formally agreed upon.

What can I say instead of "a consensus on"?

Alternatives include "an agreement on", "a shared view on", or "a unified opinion on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to have "a consensus on" important decisions?

While striving for "a consensus on" can be beneficial for ensuring buy-in and cooperation, it's not always essential. In some situations, a decision may need to be made even without complete agreement, especially when facing time constraints or conflicting interests.