a public consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a public consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a general agreement or shared opinion among the public on a particular issue or topic. Example: "The new policy was implemented after a public consensus was reached during the town hall meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

This seems to be a public consensus.

The Economist

Officials described the session as a "soft touch" appeal to bankers to stay engaged, an effort to forge a public consensus that Turkey's problems can be readily overcome.

The New York Times

His trial, in 2017, ended with a hung jury, but a public consensus had formed that the comedian and TV star would be remembered as a rapist.

The New Yorker

That primary mission, though, stood in service of his principal ambition: peace, which will involve difficult territorial concessions and require a public consensus.

The New York Times

"It's important to have a public consensus about privacy law – to have wider agreement about where the boundaries should be so that every one knows where they stand".

The Guardian

Nearly 40 years ago, when the state's psychiatric wards were exposed as little better than squalid dungeons, a public consensus emerged that such places were unfit for animals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

He said today that while he still believed legislation was needed here to protect China's national security, he would not introduce a new bill until a clear public consensus supported the legislation.

The New York Times

In those first weeks, Mr. Obama had an approval rating that reached 70 percent, and he benefited from a clear public consensus that the United States had reached a cataclysmic moment of reckoning in its economic life — and that neither he nor his party had caused it.

The New York Times

It's unlikely that either side would ever simply give up its view, but, politically, they would have to react to a strong public consensus if they had not made a respectable case.

The New York Times

A 2006 public opinion poll found that "there is a strong public consensus that childcare programs are beneficial both in terms of the benefits they provide to children in early development and in preparing them for school, as well as in helping parents, particularly those with lower incomes, participate in the work force" (Environics Research Group, 2006).

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

It demonstrates there is a broad public consensus that international students are good for Britain".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a public consensus" when you want to emphasize that a particular idea or belief is widely accepted and supported by the general population. Be mindful to check if is really the case before employing this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a public consensus" when there is significant disagreement or controversy surrounding an issue. Ensure there is substantial evidence of widespread support before using this term to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a public consensus" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of agreement or shared belief held by the general populace on a specific matter. According to Ludwig, this usage is considered grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a public consensus" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of widespread agreement among the general public. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct. While "a public consensus" is not exceptionally common, it appears across various contexts like News & Media and Science. It is important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring that there is genuine and substantial agreement before describing something as "a public consensus". Alternatives such as "general agreement" or "shared understanding" may be more appropriate when there is not a complete consensus or when emphasizing different aspects of agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public sentiment

Indicates the general feelings or opinions of the public, which may not always be based on rational consensus.

general agreement

Emphasizes the broad scope of the agreement, but lacks the specific focus on the "public".

shared understanding

Highlights the cognitive aspect of mutual comprehension rather than explicit agreement.

collective opinion

Stresses the group aspect of the view, but might not imply full agreement.

accepted view

Highlights the fact that the view is broadly embraced and rarely questioned.

common view

Focuses on a widely held perspective, potentially lacking the element of active consensus-building.

popular belief

Indicates widespread acceptance, but may not reflect a deliberative process.

prevailing wisdom

Implies a long-standing and broadly accepted belief, often within a specific field or context.

societal accord

Refers to a harmonious state within society, but doesn't precisely pinpoint agreement on a specific topic.

national sentiment

Focuses on the feelings and attitudes of a nation, potentially broader than specific issues.

FAQs

How is "a public consensus" typically achieved?

A "public consensus" usually emerges through open discussions, debates, and the dissemination of information, leading to a widely accepted agreement on a particular issue. It often involves compromises and the consideration of diverse perspectives.

What factors can hinder the development of "a public consensus"?

Polarizing viewpoints, misinformation, lack of trust in institutions, and social fragmentation can all impede the formation of "a public consensus". These factors can create echo chambers and prevent constructive dialogue.

Is "a public consensus" always necessary for implementing policies?

While "a public consensus" can lend legitimacy and support to policies, it is not always a prerequisite. In some cases, leaders may need to make decisions based on expert advice or the greater good, even if there isn't widespread agreement. In these scenarios, there could also be "popular support" instead.

What are some alternatives to "a public consensus"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you might use alternatives like "general agreement", "shared understanding", or "collective opinion". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of agreement or shared perspective.