consultation

USAGE SUMMARY

"consultation" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it whenever you are talking about talking to someone in order to get advice or determine a course of action. For example: "The doctor had a consultation with the patient before deciding on a course of treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Protests, petitions, two call-ins of the plans by supportive councillors to the Overview and Scrutiny committee, a new (yet still flawed) consultation process in recognition of the initial inadequate attempt, and much publicity.

The Guardian - Books

"This is a product of no consultation," he said.

The Guardian

Elsewhere in Australia, Sydney will soon open its planning decisions to the masses, with consultation apps for citizens to send feedback to the council directly from the sites of proposed developments.

The Guardian

The transport minister, Theresa Villiers, said the consultation would ask whether longer franchises, of between 15 and 20 years, would encourage operators to finance improvements in in trains and services.

The Guardian

The Royal College of Nursing has opposed assisted suicide since 2004, but adopted a neutral stance yesterday after a recent consultation in which almost half (49%) of its members said they supported the policy, while two out of five (40%) said they were against it.

The Guardian

In Wales students and student unions this year submitted a petition to the Welsh Assembly calling for a consultation of the private rented sector.

The Guardian

I refer to statements such as "a new way of engaging", "better participation", "strong consultation", "greater integration", "better collaboration", and so on.

The Guardian - Opinion

The solution, after public consultation, could be an upgraded crossing, a diversion, or a bridge.

The Guardian

"Having witnessed that, and following consultation with our clubs and the PGMOL [Professional Game Match Officials Limited], we have decided to introduce it in the Premier League and look forward to having it in place for the 2014-15 season".

The Guardian - Sport

He also addressed concerns the consultation period was too short.

The Guardian

The consultation paper also says that state surveillance of the internet must be the exception rather than the norm, and "must only take place where it is clearly justified for the protection of the public and in accordance with the fundamental principles of necessity and proportionality".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consultation", clearly state the purpose and scope of the discussion to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether it's a "medical consultation", "legal consultation", or "project consultation".

Common error

Avoid using "consultation" in very informal settings where a simple chat or discussion would suffice. Opt for more casual terms like "chat", "talk", or "meeting" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "consultation" is as a noun, referring to the act of seeking advice or exchanging information. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "consultation" functions as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consultation" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun, primarily used to denote the act of seeking or providing expert advice and exchanging information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news articles, business contexts, and scientific literature, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When writing, ensure that the term aligns with the context and purpose, opting for simpler alternatives like "discussion" or "meeting" in less formal settings. Understanding these nuances will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advisory session

Replaces "consultation" with a more specific focus on providing advice.

guidance meeting

Focuses on receiving direction and support, a specific aspect of consultation.

expert opinion

Highlights the involvement of an expert in the advice-seeking process, differing from a general discussion.

meeting for advice

More directly describes the purpose of the meeting, whereas "consultation" implies the advice-seeking.

collaborative assessment

Suggests a cooperative approach to evaluating a situation or issue.

information exchange

Focuses on the two-way flow of information, rather than the singular act of seeking advice.

professional review

Emphasizes the professional nature of the assessment or advice provided.

preliminary discussion

Highlights the initial stage of information gathering and advice.

strategic discussion

Suggests a higher-level conversation related to strategy and planning.

inquiry session

Focuses on the aspect of asking questions to gather information.

FAQs

How to use "consultation" in a sentence?

You can use "consultation" to refer to a meeting with an expert or professional for advice, as in, "I had a "medical consultation" with my doctor". It can also refer to a process of seeking input, as in, "The company held a public "public consultation" before making changes".

What can I say instead of "consultation"?

You can use alternatives like "advisory session", "expert opinion", or "meeting for advice" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "consultation" and "discussion"?

"Consultation" typically implies seeking expert advice or professional guidance, while "discussion" is a more general term for exchanging ideas or information without necessarily involving an expert.

Is "consultation" a formal or informal term?

"Consultation" is generally considered a formal term, often used in professional or official contexts. In informal settings, simpler terms like "chat" or "meeting" may be more appropriate.