a general consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

"a general consensus" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a broad agreement among a group of people about a topic or issue. For example: "After much discussion, there was a general consensus among the board of directors that the company should move forward with the new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was more of a general consensus that we developed.

The New York Times

There is a general consensus that alongside more men speaking out more vocally, education is vital.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Among state fiscal analysts there is a general consensus that economic conditions will not improve soon.

The New York Times

A general consensus held that the season was an encouraging if safe one.

The New York Times

There was a general consensus that the book that won was the right book to win.

The Guardian - Books

There seemed to be a general consensus that it was the most inconsequential of my novels.

The Guardian - Books

But sadly there was a general consensus among reviewers that Murdoch did not emerge from the project looking very appealing.

The Guardian - Books

"There's a general consensus, I'd say, that this one will be bigger than the last one," he said.

The New York Times

There was a lot of spirited debate and some disagreement but by the end there was a general consensus".

The Guardian - Books

His actions have long since been vindicated, and there is a general consensus that what he did was absolutely right.

The Guardian

But there is a general consensus, especially for plays written in 1588 1601, in 1605 07, and from 1609 onward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal audience use "a general consensus" to convey an idea of shared understanding, agreement, or shared belief.

Common error

Avoid using "a general consensus" when there is significant disagreement or dissenting opinions. It's important to accurately represent the level of agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general consensus" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies a widespread agreement or shared opinion among a group of people. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse sources, confirming its varied usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general consensus" is a widely used phrase indicating a broad agreement among a group. It functions as a noun phrase and is commonly found in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific literature. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. While it implies widespread agreement, it doesn't necessarily mean unanimity. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context accurately reflects a substantial level of agreement, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives like "widespread agreement" or "common understanding" can be used for variety, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread agreement

Emphasizes the breadth of the agreement rather than the process of reaching it; slightly less formal.

common understanding

Focuses on shared comprehension, implying that people have the same interpretation of something, not necessarily explicit agreement.

prevailing view

Highlights the dominance of a particular opinion, suggesting that it's more popular than other views.

majority opinion

Indicates that more than half of a group agree, which may not encompass everyone.

collective agreement

Emphasizes the group aspect of the agreement, implying a deliberate coming together.

shared belief

Highlights a common conviction or faith held by a group.

accepted wisdom

Suggests that the consensus is longstanding and considered authoritative, often implying a tradition.

prevailing sentiment

Similar to 'prevailing view' but emphasizes feelings and attitudes more than reasoned opinions.

broad accord

Indicates a harmonious agreement with a wide scope or impact, often used in formal contexts.

public agreement

Focuses on the fact that the agreement is openly acknowledged and known by the public.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general consensus" to describe a situation where most people agree on something. For example, "There is "a general consensus" that climate change is a serious threat."

What are some alternatives to "a general consensus"?

Alternatives include "widespread agreement", "common understanding", or "majority opinion" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "general consensus" since consensus implies a general agreement?

While "consensus" implies a general agreement, using "general consensus" can emphasize the breadth and pervasiveness of the agreement, adding clarity and impact. It is a commonly accepted and understood phrase.

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

"A general consensus" means most people agree, but not necessarily everyone. "Unanimity" implies that everyone is in complete agreement. "A general consensus" allows for some dissenting opinions, while unanimity does not.