a near consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a near consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which most people are in agreement about something, but not all. For example, "After much debate, a near consensus was reached among the steering committee about the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Now, in this town, there's a near consensus about it.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Buckeyes should be a near consensus No. 1 in the polls, according to the independent B.C.S. analyst Jerry Palm.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a near consensus by the Arab world that the time has come to end the conflict".

The New York Times

From nonpartisan reporters to thought leaders across the spectrum, there was a near consensus that Hillary won.

The Washington Post

Looking at readers' predictions state-by-state, there was a near consensus on the status of most states.

The New York Times

A near consensus has emerged supporting the public funding of industrial R&D as a solution to a host of market failures.

Research Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

In Taiwan there seems to be a near-consensus on military issues among the three major contenders for president.

The New York Times

In the debate over Afghanistan, he initially faced a near-consensus in favor of the view advanced by the generals.

The New York Times

Support for a two-state solution — for an end to occupation and for a secure division of Israel and Palestine — is now a near-consensus position in Israel.

The New Yorker

The complaints seemed to represent a near-consensus among the major New York campaigns as Mr. Clinton's appearance at the Sept. 14 national Democratic fund-raiser approaches.

The New York Times

Today, for all the partisanship in American life, there is a near-consensus on the idea that a president "creates jobs".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a near consensus", ensure the context clarifies who is in agreement and about what specific issue. This provides clarity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a near consensus" when there are significant dissenting voices or substantial disagreement. It's more accurate to acknowledge the existing divisions or opposing viewpoints to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a near consensus" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a state of agreement that is widespread but not absolute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a near consensus" is a valid and useful phrase to describe widespread agreement that isn't quite unanimous. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, and its frequency across various sources demonstrates its common usage. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, reflecting its utility in describing public opinion and viewpoints. Remember to use it accurately, reflecting the nuances of agreement, and avoid overstating the actual level of accord. Consider related phrases such as "general agreement" or "broad agreement" to tailor your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general agreement

Indicates a broad level of concurrence, slightly less emphatic than "a near consensus".

a broad consensus

Similar to "a general agreement" but suggests a wider base of agreement.

a widespread agreement

Emphasizes the extent of the agreement across a population or group.

substantial agreement

Highlights that the agreement is significant and meaningful.

a strong consensus

Conveys a more forceful and unified agreement than "a near consensus".

a majority view

Indicates that more than half agree, but doesn't necessarily imply a strong level of agreement.

prevailing opinion

Focuses on the opinion that is most common or accepted at a particular time.

common understanding

Highlights a shared comprehension or interpretation of something.

shared belief

Emphasizes a common conviction or acceptance of a particular idea.

accepted wisdom

Suggests an idea or belief that is widely accepted as true or valid, often over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a near consensus" to describe situations where most people agree on something, but not everyone. For example: "There is "a near consensus" among scientists about climate change."

What's the difference between "a near consensus" and "a complete consensus"?

"A near consensus" means almost everyone agrees, but not quite. "A complete consensus" implies that everyone is in total agreement. The first allows for a few dissenting opinions, while the second does not.

Are there any synonyms for "a near consensus"?

Yes, alternatives include "general agreement", "broad agreement", or "widespread agreement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "near consensus" or "almost unanimous"?

Both "near consensus" and "almost unanimous" suggest widespread agreement. "Near consensus" is generally used in more formal or academic contexts, while "almost unanimous" can be slightly more informal.