build a consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build a consensus" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to work towards achieving a general agreement or shared understanding among a group of people. Example: The team needs to build a consensus on the new project proposal before presenting it to the board of directors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's always operated on trying to build a consensus.

The New York Times

He wants Patricia to build a consensus,' the source added.

The Guardian

Put in the extra effort to build a consensus.

The Guardian

You have to build a consensus around casting choices sometimes.

The New York Times

"The governor has said all along he was working to build a consensus".

The New York Times

"Usually we have debates about issues and try to build a consensus.

The New York Times

Many in the yes campaign say they needed years to build a consensus for reform.

The Guardian

"I'd like to build a consensus among Liberal and Labor leaders.

The Guardian

This could help to build a consensus for otherwise controversial projects and developments.

The Guardian

But efforts to build a consensus around climate change legislation in the Senate have stalled.

The Guardian

Republicans in the House are much more wary as they try to build a consensus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use clear and accessible language to articulate ideas when trying to "build a consensus", reducing the chances of misunderstandings and promoting better alignment among participants.

Common error

Don't mistake compliance for consensus. Just because people agree doesn't mean they genuinely believe in the decision. Ensure active participation and honest feedback to truly "build a consensus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build a consensus" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of creating or establishing agreement among a group. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. The phrase often acts as the predicate of a sentence, indicating the action performed by a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build a consensus" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the process of achieving agreement or shared understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly used in news and media, it also finds relevance in academic and formal business settings. To effectively "build a consensus", involve all stakeholders, promote open communication, and seek genuine agreement rather than mere compliance. Alternatives like ""reach an agreement"" or "forge a consensus" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an agreement

Focuses on the outcome of the process, which is achieving an agreement, rather than the process itself.

forge a consensus

Emphasizes the effort and creation involved in reaching a consensus, suggesting a more active and deliberate process.

develop a common understanding

Highlights the shared comprehension aspect of consensus, focusing on mutual understanding.

cultivate agreement

Suggests a gradual and careful approach to achieving consensus, similar to nurturing growth.

foster accord

Uses a more formal term ("accord") to convey the establishment of harmony and agreement.

achieve unanimity

Indicates complete agreement where everyone is of one mind, a stronger form of consensus.

establish common ground

Focuses on finding shared principles or beliefs as a basis for agreement, rather than the agreement itself.

create a unified front

Highlights the aspect of presenting a united appearance or position after reaching an agreement.

harmonize opinions

Suggests aligning different viewpoints to create a cohesive and agreeable perspective.

find commonality

Emphasizes discovering shared interests or characteristics as a foundation for agreement.

FAQs

How can I effectively "build a consensus" in a team setting?

To effectively "build a consensus", ensure open communication, active listening, and a willingness to compromise. Encourage all team members to share their perspectives and work towards finding common ground.

What strategies can I use to "build a consensus" when there are conflicting opinions?

When facing conflicting opinions, try to identify the underlying interests and concerns of each party. Facilitate discussions to explore potential solutions that address these needs and "reach an agreement".

What is the difference between "building a consensus" and simply reaching a compromise?

"Building a consensus" aims to achieve a solution that everyone actively supports, whereas compromise often involves each party giving up something to reach an agreement. The former seeks unity, while the latter settles for mutual concession.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "build a consensus"?

You can use alternatives such as "forge a consensus", "develop a common understanding", or "foster accord" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.