a point of consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a point of consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to an agreement that more than one person or group has reached. For example, "After several days of discussion, the group finally reached a point of consensus on how to approach the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is a point of consensus for all major scholars who have worked on this material.

Rice

Today, the five senses are considered such an elementary truth that it is sometimes used as a point of consensus before writers embark on more mysterious or contentious topics.

BBC

"We need mental health resources, and that initiative, I hope, will provide a common ground, a point of consensus that will bring us together".

Huffington Post

Basic data citation is a point of consensus, but the general agreement on the core elements of a dataset citation frays if the data is dynamic or part of a larger set.

F1000Research

Findings were iterated to a point of consensus; determined by way of voting (an attribute was accepted if more than seventy-five percent of the panel supported the attribute, and there were no strong rejections to its inclusion).

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It can be done, though, and the best example in recent years is the 9/11 Commission, whose chairman, Thomas Kean, a former governor of New Jersey and a Republican, made a point of forging consensus with his Democratic colleagues on nearly every controversial issue.

The New Yorker

It should be a point of bipartisan consensus that the judiciary is a political body rather than a panel of Platonic Guardians, and it's a healthy thing for our democracy to have the other branches of government ready to push back when the high court seems to overreach.

The New York Times

The two major-party presidential candidates support such a realignment, a rare point of consensus in a polarized health care debate.

The New York Times

JERUSALEM — A rare point of consensus in Israel, a normally fractious country, has been the desire to see Gilad Shalit, the Israeli corporal who has been held captive in Gaza for more than two years, return alive.

The New York Times

If there is a single point of consensus in this heated political moment, it's that everyone loves the Constitution.

The New Yorker

At the time, Ali's appeal marked a rare point of consensus among Arabs.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for collaborative outcomes, begin by identifying "a point of consensus" to establish a foundation for further discussions and decisions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that reaching "a point of consensus" implies complete unanimity. Consensus represents a general agreement or majority support, not necessarily the absence of dissenting opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a point of consensus" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an area or topic where there is general agreement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a point of consensus" is a noun phrase used to indicate an area of general agreement. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable. It serves to highlight shared understanding in discussions, negotiations, and decision-making. While it does not require complete unanimity, it represents majority support. The phrase is appropriate for neutral, professional communication across diverse contexts such as news, science, and business.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Consensus view

Similar to the original but puts emphasis on consensus, used when the consensus matters more than the specific topic agreed on.

Area of agreement

Focuses on the specific subject where agreement exists.

Common understanding

Emphasizes a shared comprehension rather than explicit agreement.

Shared view

Highlights the similarity in perspective or opinion.

Common ground

Highlights shared interests or beliefs used to begin communication between different parties.

Meeting of minds

Implies a convergence of thoughts and ideas, often after discussion.

General agreement

Suggests widespread, though not necessarily unanimous, accord.

Unified stance

Highlights a collective position or attitude taken on an issue.

Harmonious position

Similar to the original but puts emphasis on consensus, used when the harmony matters more than the specific topic agreed on.

Shared belief

Highlights the faith or beliefs that people have in common.

FAQs

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

You can use "a point of consensus" to highlight an area of agreement between parties. For example, "Despite their differences, the negotiators found "a point of consensus" on environmental regulations."

What are some alternatives to "a point of consensus"?

Alternatives include "area of agreement", "common understanding", or "shared view", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it necessary for everyone to agree when reaching "a point of consensus"?

No, "a point of consensus" does not require complete agreement from everyone involved. It indicates a general agreement or majority support, allowing for some dissenting opinions.

How does "a point of consensus" differ from "unanimity"?

"A point of consensus" implies a general agreement, while "unanimity" suggests complete agreement from every individual. Consensus allows for diverse perspectives with overall accord, whereas unanimity requires everyone to be in full agreement.