a workable consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a workable consensus" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means an agreement or understanding that is practical and can be put into action. Example: The team spent hours discussing their project before finally reaching a workable consensus on the best course of action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And a body made up of people of diverse views could give time to the consideration of a problem, consult widely, and under the necessity of formulating their conclusions in an accessible and coherent report, do better in reaching a workable consensus than the hasty expressions of personal belief that one hears sometimes on the benches of both houses of Parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

ANTAKYA, Turkey — The Syrian conflict escalated to a dangerous new level on Thursday when government troops and their civilian supporters blocked unarmed United Nations monitors from investigating a massacre of farm families, prompting sharp denunciations of Damascus from diplomats who have struggled vainly to find a workable, consensus solution to the crisis.

The New York Times

This system, based on an extensive literature review, can facilitate the process leading to a workable consensus on sustainable development.

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Even a workable consensus depends on public-private partnership, federal-state cooperative federalism, and the ability to find effective solutions among the interlocking alternatives proposed by engineers and economists.

The Electricity Journal

As the discussion evolved and ideas began to crystalize, she not only managed to help the participants arrive at a workable consensus that they could take back to their own organisations to implement, but she also demonstrated that they had far more in common than they might have thought they did before the meeting.

BBC

We at the Independent Firearms Owners Association (IFoA) are prepared to admit the unpleasant truths, discuss the uncomfortable dilemmas and help formulate a workable consensus to these interrelated issues.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A workable compromise, it seems.

The New York Times

"This is not a workable proposition".

The New York Times

Committed to a workable compromise.

The Guardian - Sport

A workable plan was hatched.

The Guardian - Arts

(This hardly seems a workable civic model).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for "a workable consensus", ensure all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the issue and feel heard during the discussion. This increases the likelihood of achieving an agreement that everyone can support.

Common error

Avoid assuming you have "a workable consensus" simply because there is no vocal opposition. Actively solicit feedback and address concerns to ensure true agreement and prevent future roadblocks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a workable consensus" functions as a noun phrase, where 'workable' modifies 'consensus'. It describes a specific type of agreement that is not only accepted but also practically feasible and implementable. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a workable consensus" signifies an agreement that is both accepted and practically feasible. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct and used in formal and informal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for various discussions. For alternatives, consider phrases like "a practical agreement" or "a realistic compromise" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to vet consensus properly to ensure it is genuinely "workable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a practical agreement

Replaces "consensus" with "agreement" and "workable" with "practical", emphasizing the feasibility of the agreement.

an achievable agreement

Substitutes "workable" with "achievable", highlighting the attainability of the agreement.

a viable understanding

Replaces "consensus" with "understanding" and "workable" with "viable", suggesting a feasible comprehension.

a realistic compromise

Replaces "consensus" with "compromise" and "workable" with "realistic", stressing practicality in a negotiation context.

a feasible resolution

Replaces "consensus" with "resolution" and "workable" with "feasible", highlighting the possibility of a practical solution.

a pragmatic solution

Replaces "workable consensus" with a single term, "pragmatic solution", which conveys the same idea of a practical agreement.

an effective agreement

Substitutes "workable" with "effective", focusing on the agreement's capacity to produce a desired result.

a functional understanding

Replaces "consensus" with "understanding" and "workable" with "functional", emphasizing the operational aspect.

a serviceable arrangement

Replaces "consensus" with "arrangement" and "workable" with "serviceable", highlighting the utility of the agreement.

an implementable compromise

Replaces "workable" with "implementable", emphasizing the capacity to put the compromise into effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a workable consensus" to describe an agreement that is not only accepted by all parties involved but also practical and can be implemented effectively. For example, "After several meetings, the committee reached "a workable consensus" on the budget allocation".

What are some alternatives to saying "a workable consensus"?

Alternatives to "a workable consensus" include phrases like "a practical agreement", "a realistic compromise", or "a feasible resolution". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

"A workable consensus" implies an agreement that is not only reached by all parties but is also practical and can be effectively implemented. In contrast, "a simple agreement" only suggests a basic level of accord, without necessarily implying feasibility or practicality.

Is it always necessary to achieve "a workable consensus"?

While striving for "a workable consensus" is often ideal, it may not always be necessary or possible. In situations where quick decisions are required or when fundamental disagreements exist, a less comprehensive agreement or a decision made by authority might be more appropriate.