building consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "building consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the process of reaching an agreement or shared understanding among a group of people. Example: "The team spent several hours building consensus on the project's objectives to ensure everyone was on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Build coalitions by building consensus.

Human Resources for Health

Building consensus is crucial.

The New York Times

Building consensus became her signature style.

The New York Times

"Building Consensus For Sustainable Development".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Building Consensus in a Political Environment.

Cornell University

"Building Consensus: Dealing With Controversial Land Use Issues & Disputes".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Successful diplomacy rests on forging compromises and building consensus.

The New York Times

This prevented design by committee while we were building consensus.

Harvard Business Review

And he puts a strong emphasis on building consensus.

The Economist

Building consensus on how to measure and manage impact.

Harvard Business Review

Assist fundraising or building consensus for both Cornell and PCCW initiatives.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for agreement, prioritize active listening and empathy to understand diverse perspectives and foster a more inclusive environment.

Common error

Don't presume that silence implies agreement. Actively solicit feedback and confirm understanding to avoid misunderstandings and ensure genuine buy-in.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "building consensus" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun. As supported by Ludwig AI, it refers to the action or process of achieving agreement or a shared understanding within a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "building consensus" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of achieving agreement or shared understanding within a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, the phrase carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for various professional and general communication settings. When using this phrase, remember to prioritize active listening and verify understanding to ensure genuine buy-in. Alternatives like "fostering agreement" or "developing common ground" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reaching a mutual understanding

Highlights the outcome of shared comprehension.

Developing common ground

Focuses on identifying shared interests or beliefs.

Facilitating agreement

Implies making the process of reaching an agreement easier.

Fostering agreement

Focuses on actively promoting agreement among parties.

Promoting collaboration

Emphasizes the act of working together towards a common goal.

Forging unity

Suggests creating a unified front or purpose.

Cultivating accord

Highlights nurturing a harmonious understanding.

Negotiating common terms

Highlights the process of discussing and agreeing on specific conditions.

Establishing shared vision

Focuses on creating a collective perspective for the future.

Achieving unanimity

Emphasizes complete agreement with no dissent.

FAQs

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

You can use "building consensus" to describe the process of reaching an agreement among a group. For example: "The project manager focused on "building consensus" among team members before finalizing the project plan."

What are some alternatives to "building consensus"?

Alternatives include "fostering agreement", "cultivating accord", or "developing common ground", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the importance of "building consensus" in a team environment?

Building consensus ensures that everyone's voice is heard and that decisions are made with the collective understanding and support of the team, leading to better outcomes and increased team cohesion.

How does "building consensus" differ from simply dictating a decision?

Dictating a decision involves imposing a solution without seeking input or agreement from others, while "building consensus" requires actively engaging with stakeholders, considering their perspectives, and working towards a mutually acceptable outcome.