general consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

"general consensus" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the shared opinion of a group of people on a certain topic or issue. For example, "The general consensus among the teachers was that the new curriculum was too difficult for incoming students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the general consensus?

Independent

Windows, says the general consensus.

The Economist

The general consensus?

The Washington Post

That was the general consensus.

The New York Times - Sports

I think that's the general consensus".

The New York Times

The general consensus is that they can.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The general consensus is "everything".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Yum," was the general consensus.

The New York Times - Food

That is the general consensus.

Stanford University

So that's a general consensus.

Yale University

Next year, seems to be the general consensus.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "general consensus" with specific qualifiers to show the extent of the agreement (e.g., "the general consensus among experts", "the growing general consensus").

Common error

Avoid using "general consensus" when there is significant disagreement or a clear division of opinion. It suggests a level of agreement that may not exist, potentially misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general consensus" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a collective agreement or widely held opinion on a particular matter. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general consensus" is a commonly used noun phrase indicating a widely shared agreement or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, suitable for various contexts from news and media to academia. While similar phrases exist, like "prevailing view" or "common understanding", "general consensus" specifically emphasizes the shared nature of the agreement. When employing this phrase, ensure a substantial level of agreement truly exists to avoid misrepresentation. By recognizing its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively use "general consensus" to enrich your writing and convey shared viewpoints accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall agreement

Emphasizes the broad scope of the agreement.

collective agreement

Stresses the joint nature of the agreement.

common understanding

Emphasizes shared comprehension rather than explicit agreement.

majority opinion

Highlights that the opinion is held by more than half the group.

prevailing view

Focuses on the dominant perspective rather than explicit agreement.

shared perspective

Highlights a common viewpoint rather than outright agreement.

widely held belief

Focuses on the prevalence of the belief across a population.

accepted wisdom

Implies that the consensus is long-standing and considered reliable.

public sentiment

Refers specifically to the feelings of the general public.

universal belief

Suggests virtually everyone shares the same belief, implying a stronger consensus.

FAQs

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

You can use "general consensus" to describe a widely held belief or opinion. For example, "The "general consensus" is that climate change is a serious threat."

What are some alternatives to "general consensus"?

Alternatives to "general consensus" include "prevailing view", "common understanding", or "majority opinion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "general consensus" in formal writing?

Yes, "general consensus" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and professional way to indicate a shared agreement or understanding on a topic.

What's the difference between "general consensus" and "unanimous agreement"?

"General consensus" implies a widespread agreement, but not necessarily a complete one. "Unanimous agreement", on the other hand, means that everyone is in complete agreement.