close to a consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to a consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where a group of people is nearing agreement on a particular issue or decision. Example: "After several discussions, we are now close to a consensus on the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Architecture critics are close to a consensus on Haussmann.

The New York Times - Books

"We are pretty close to a consensus," Mr. Rasmussen said.

The New York Times

"I think she would want the court to come to an opinion that is close to a consensus".

The New York Times

The Jewish Chronicle acknowledged there was nothing close to a consensus on the issue of the chant.

The New York Times

Gayle Osterberg, a spokeswoman for Senator Don Nickles, the Oklahoma Republican who is chairman of the conference committee, said: "We are getting close to a consensus on appeals.

The New York Times

AFTER years of debate, the Board of Legislators appears close to a consensus on a proposal to limit campaign spending and contributions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Whether that brings us any closer to a consensus is hard to judge.

The Guardian - Business

"We've come much closer to a consensus on the way forward than I would perhaps have predicted," he added.

The Guardian

"Just as the nation is inching closer to a consensus on the need for solutions on immigration, the Supreme Court is dividing the nation," he said.

The New York Times

But in a reflection of the lingering partisan divide over the cuts known as sequestration, neither Mr. Obama nor Congressional Republicans moved closer to a consensus on how to minimize the broader impact.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — President Obama sparred with Congressional Republicans on Saturday over who was to blame for long flight delays this week, but neither side moved closer to a consensus on how to minimize the broader impact of federal spending cuts on the public.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing this phrase, specify which group is near a consensus and on what matter, this avoids ambiguity and makes the sentence clearer.

Common error

Avoid using "close to a consensus" when the parties involved still hold significant differences. This phrase suggests a higher degree of accord than might exist, potentially misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to a consensus" functions as a modifier, typically describing a situation or decision-making process. Ludwig AI shows it often qualifies the degree of agreement within a group or among different entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to a consensus" is a phrase used to describe situations where a group is approaching an agreement but has not yet fully reached it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and often used in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, remember to specify the subject of the consensus and be cautious not to overstate the degree of agreement achieved. Alternatives like ""near agreement"" and ""approaching agreement"" can be used to add nuance. By understanding its appropriate usage and potential pitfalls, writers can accurately convey the state of negotiations or discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost in agreement

Simple restatement of the concept of being nearly aligned in opinion.

nearing consensus

Emphasizes the process of nearing a consensus, with a slight shift in focus.

near agreement

Focuses on the state of agreement being nearly reached, rather than the overall consensus.

on the verge of agreement

Suggests imminent agreement, adding a sense of anticipation.

in broad agreement

Indicates a wide but perhaps not complete agreement.

approaching agreement

Highlights the process of moving toward an agreement, instead of the state itself.

converging opinions

Highlights the convergence of opinions, implying movement towards a unified viewpoint.

in sight of a consensus

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate that a consensus is within reach.

becoming unified in opinion

Focuses on the unification of opinions, emphasizing the result of the process.

reaching a general understanding

Shifts the focus to understanding rather than strict agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "close to a consensus" in a sentence?

You can use "close to a consensus" to describe a situation where a group is nearing an agreement. For example: "The committee is "close to a consensus" on the budget proposal."

What's a good alternative to "close to a consensus"?

Alternatives include "near agreement", "approaching agreement", or "nearing consensus". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it accurate to use "close to a consensus" if there are still dissenting opinions?

Yes, "close to a consensus" implies that most, but not necessarily all, parties are in agreement. If significant dissent remains, a phrase like "divided opinion" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "close to a consensus" and "a consensus"?

"Close to a consensus" suggests that an agreement is almost, but not quite, reached. "A consensus" implies that full agreement has been achieved. The former indicates progress, while the latter indicates completion.