general consent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general consent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation where a decision or agreement is accepted by most people involved, often without formal voting. Example: "The committee reached a decision by general consent, allowing the project to move forward without any objections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IT IS, by general consent, the most important securities-litigation clash for a generation.

The Economist

Did the general consent?

The New York Times

By general consent, there is everything to play for.

The Guardian

By general consent, her portrait sessions were never silent.

The Guardian - Arts

It is, by general consent, a great poem.

The Economist

By general consent, this is not money well spent.

The Economist

(German expertise is the field's gold standard, by general consent.

The New Yorker

By general consent, McMahon's cut was set aside for distribution among members of his family.

The New Yorker

They were, by general consent, two of the best bike races in years.

The Guardian - Sport

By general consent, this year's Venice film festival has been a standout.

The Guardian

The season past was, by general consent, the most demeaned of the modern era.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general consent" in legal or medical contexts, clearly define the scope and limitations of the consent to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "general consent" covers all possible scenarios. Ensure that specific procedures or actions are clearly outlined and understood, rather than relying on a vague blanket agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general consent" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, representing the concept of widespread or collective agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "general consent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase indicating widespread agreement or approval. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, often serving to convey that a decision or action has broad support. When employing this phrase, especially in formal or legal settings, it's crucial to clearly define the scope of the consent to avoid misunderstandings. While synonyms like "widespread agreement" and "broad consensus" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread agreement

Focuses on the breadth of agreement rather than the act of consenting.

broad consensus

Emphasizes the collective agreement among a group.

collective agreement

Highlights the group aspect of the agreement.

common accord

Stresses the harmony and shared understanding in the agreement.

overall approval

Indicates a general positive sentiment towards something.

unanimous approval

Suggests complete agreement without any dissent.

majority rule

Implies a decision made based on more than half the votes.

popular assent

Focuses on the public's acceptance or agreement.

public endorsement

Highlights the public's support or approval.

accepted norm

Shifts focus to a standard practice widely accepted.

FAQs

How is "general consent" used in medical contexts?

In healthcare, "general consent" often refers to a patient's agreement to routine medical care. However, specific procedures like HIV testing may require a separate, signed consent form. Always clarify what is covered under "general consent" to ensure ethical and legal compliance.

What are some synonyms for "general consent"?

Alternatives to "general consent" include "widespread agreement", "broad consensus", or "collective agreement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "general consent" the same as informed consent?

No, "general consent" is not the same as informed consent. Informed consent requires a detailed explanation of risks, benefits, and alternatives, ensuring the individual fully understands what they are agreeing to. "General consent" is often more broad and less specific.

What happens when "general consent" is not enough?

In situations requiring specific actions or carrying significant risks, relying solely on "general consent" can be problematic. In such cases, obtain explicit and informed consent to ensure ethical and legal standards are met.