build consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'build consensus' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when referring to an agreement between a group of people to come to a common decision. Example sentence: In order to make a successful decision, we need to build consensus among all the members of our team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He likes to build consensus.

The New York Times

You might build consensus but are you a team builder?

The New York Times

I think of what it means to build consensus.

The New York Times

It's about trying to build consensus, but not allow complacency.

The Guardian

They tried to build consensus within their party.

The New York Times

I learned to communicate more effectively and build consensus.

The Economist

At times, he could seem a loose cannon, failing to build consensus before pushing ahead.

The New York Times

Fourth, there is a desperate need to build consensus on the need for a living wage.

The Guardian

I've always tried to keep them in the loop and build consensus".

The New York Times

So you have to create relationships within the group and build consensus on things".

The New York Times

And by all accounts Mr. Miller worked doggedly to build consensus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "build consensus", prioritize active listening and understanding diverse perspectives before proposing solutions.

Common error

Don't mistake "building consensus" for achieving complete agreement from everyone. Aim for a solution that most can support, even if not everyone is entirely satisfied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build consensus" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of creating agreement among a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build consensus" is a versatile and frequently used term, as indicated by Ludwig, signifying the process of achieving agreement within a group. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While complete unanimity is not always attainable, the goal is to create solutions that garner wide support. Alternatives like "reach an agreement" or "establish common ground" can be used depending on the specific context. Employing active listening, acknowledging varied perspectives, and prioritizing collective support can all help you "build consensus" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an agreement

Focuses on the outcome of the consensus-building process.

foster agreement

Emphasizes the act of promoting or encouraging agreement.

cultivate consensus

Highlights the need for careful and sustained effort to achieve agreement.

forge a consensus

Suggests a more active and forceful approach to creating agreement.

establish common ground

Focuses on finding shared beliefs or interests as a basis for agreement.

develop a unified position

Highlights the aim of reaching a single, shared viewpoint.

promote accord

Stresses the idea of creating harmony and agreement.

facilitate agreement

Emphasizes making it easier for a group to reach an agreement.

encourage alignment

Focuses on getting different parties to agree or be in cooperation.

harmonize opinions

Highlights the reconciliation of different viewpoints to achieve agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "build consensus" to describe the process of achieving agreement within a group, for example: "The leader worked hard to build consensus among the team members."

What are some alternatives to saying "build consensus"?

Instead of "build consensus", you could say "reach an agreement", "foster agreement", or "establish common ground".

What is the difference between "build consensus" and "seek approval"?

"Build consensus" implies a collaborative process of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement, while "seek approval" suggests a more hierarchical process of obtaining permission from a superior authority.

Is it always necessary to "build consensus" before making a decision?

While building consensus is often beneficial, it may not be necessary or feasible in all situations, especially when time is limited or a decision requires specialized expertise. In such cases, consulting with key stakeholders might be more appropriate.