find a consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find a consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of reaching an agreement or shared understanding among a group of people. Example: "During the meeting, we worked hard to find a consensus on the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such a finding seems to indicate that, in order to find a consensus matrix which captures well the inherent structure of the dataset, one needs a sensible number of connectivity matrices.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

We will consult with the media and academics to find a consensus.

The Guardian

"Once we find a consensus — and we are close to it — asking prices will fall".

The New York Times

As for when and where to leave a tip, I did not find a consensus.

The New York Times - Travel

The EU has threatened punitive measures before without being able to find a consensus to implement them.

The Guardian

"Opposition parties failed to move one jot and thereby made it pretty difficult to find a consensus," she said.

The Guardian

Indeed, if you can find a consensus in them it is usually best to bet against it.

Independent

"It would have to be someone not linked to a political party, someone who could find a consensus".

The Economist

That was not the concert's oddest moment, but it would be hard to find a consensus on what was.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is something we have to bring to the strategy council and find a consensus, but we will have a very wide consultation policy," Gaillard added.

The Guardian - Sport

It is difficult to find a consensus on what the pending merger of Time Warner and America Online means for the music industry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "find a consensus" when the process involves active searching and exploration of different viewpoints to achieve agreement.

Common error

Don't equate consensus with everyone being in complete agreement. A consensus often means that all parties can support the decision, even if it's not their ideal choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find a consensus" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of discovering or establishing a general agreement among a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is typically used when different opinions or preferences exist and a shared decision needs to be reached.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "find a consensus" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the process of reaching an agreement, often involving reconciliation of differing opinions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news, science, and formal business contexts, it conveys the active effort to discover common ground and establish a shared understanding. While aiming for agreement, remember that true consensus doesn't always mean full unanimity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an agreement

Emphasizes the final outcome of the negotiation process.

come to terms

Highlights the process of accepting differing viewpoints to achieve a mutual understanding.

arrive at a compromise

Focuses on mutual concessions made to reach an agreement.

build a consensus

Stresses the gradual process of developing a unified opinion.

forge a consensus

Implies a more active and determined effort to create an agreement.

develop a common understanding

Focuses on achieving a shared comprehension of the issue at hand.

find common ground

Highlights identifying shared beliefs or interests as a basis for agreement.

establish agreement

Emphasizes creating a formal or recognized accord.

achieve unity

Focuses on the outcome of being in full agreement or accord.

seek alignment

Highlights the active pursuit of harmony and agreement among different parties.

FAQs

How do you use "find a consensus" in a sentence?

You can use "find a consensus" to describe the process of a group reaching an agreement. For example, "The committee worked diligently to find a consensus on the budget proposal".

What are some alternatives to saying "find a consensus"?

Alternatives include "reach an agreement", "arrive at a compromise", or "build a consensus", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "find a consensus" or "reach a consensus"?

Both "find a consensus" and "reach a consensus" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Find a consensus" emphasizes the search and discovery process, while "reach a consensus" highlights the attainment of an agreement.

What's the difference between "consensus" and "unanimity"?

"Consensus" implies a general agreement where everyone can support the decision, even if it's not their first choice. "Unanimity" means everyone is in complete agreement without any dissent.