an overwhelming consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a strong agreement among a group of people or experts on a particular issue or topic. Example: "After extensive discussions, the committee reached an overwhelming consensus on the proposed policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finding an overwhelming consensus was nothing new.

The Guardian

Could such an overwhelming consensus of economists be wrong?

The New York Times

These reforms reflected an overwhelming consensus that the Fed had been derelict in fulfilling its duties.

The Guardian - Business

Scientists have claimed an "overwhelming consensus" among environmental experts on the need for the laws.

The Guardian

There was, moreover, "an overwhelming consensus amongst party professionals in both parties," Mr. Blankley said.

The New York Times

The answer should have been simple, and backed by an overwhelming consensus.

The New York Times

Some 500 working-class men and women who packed into the memorial hall expressed an overwhelming consensus.

The Guardian

It is a measure of the Christian Democrats' problems that this radical change is being made through an overwhelming consensus.

The New York Times

There is now an overwhelming consensus that growth in carbon emissions could mean climatic disaster for our planet.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The truth of the matter is, there is an overwhelming consensus that we're not losing jobs, we're creating jobs".

The New York Times

Scholars immediately questioned the map's authenticity, and an overwhelming consensus emerged over the years that the map is a 20th-century forgery.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an overwhelming consensus", ensure that the evidence supports such a strong claim. Overstating the level of agreement can undermine your credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "an overwhelming consensus" when there is significant dissent or a lack of clear evidence. Accurately represent the nuances of the situation to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming consensus" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a widespread and strong agreement among a group of people, as supported by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming consensus" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation where there is a strong and widespread agreement on a particular issue. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the evidence supports such a strong claim and to avoid overstating the level of agreement. Related phrases include "near unanimity" and "broad agreement". Ludwig's analysis and numerous real-world examples showcase the versatility and significance of this expression in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a firm consensus

Suggests a strong and well-established agreement among people.

near unanimity

Indicates that almost everyone agrees, with very few dissenting voices.

a chorus of approval

Emphasizes the enthusiastic and unified nature of the agreement.

a broad agreement

Suggests a widespread but potentially less intense agreement than "an overwhelming consensus".

substantial agreement

Implies that there is a significant level of agreement, though perhaps not complete.

a strong concurrence

Emphasizes agreement and harmony, potentially in a more formal setting.

prevailing view

Highlights the dominant perspective or opinion within a group.

a widespread accord

Highlights a formal agreement or treaty-like understanding.

settled opinion

Suggests that an opinion has been established and is unlikely to change.

general acceptance

Focuses on the idea that something is widely accepted as valid or true.

FAQs

How can I use "an overwhelming consensus" in a sentence?

You can use "an overwhelming consensus" to describe a situation where almost everyone agrees on something. For example: "There is "an overwhelming consensus" among scientists that climate change is occurring."

What phrases can I use instead of "an overwhelming consensus"?

Alternatives to "an overwhelming consensus" include "near unanimity", "broad agreement", or "substantial agreement".

Is it appropriate to use "an overwhelming consensus" in formal writing?

Yes, "an overwhelming consensus" is appropriate for formal writing. It accurately conveys a high degree of agreement, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

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

"An overwhelming consensus" implies a stronger and more widespread agreement than "a general consensus". The former suggests almost complete agreement, while the latter indicates a more moderate level of accord.