gradual consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gradual consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process where agreement is reached slowly over time, often in discussions or negotiations. Example: "The committee worked towards a gradual consensus on the new policy, ensuring that all voices were heard before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Though no religious organizations or right-to-life groups have yet mounted any opposition to D.C.D., including the Denver protocol, it is important to change practices in deliberate steps that give decision makers clear rules of action and establish gradual consensus.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Change is 'hard,' even when implemented through gradual consensus-building, and there are easy ways and hard ways to achieve healthcare goals.

Critical Care

Differing views persisted, but the gradual development of consensus around the need for local stroke teams to be involved in thrombolysis delivery meant that any individual reluctance was muted: "…no one is daring to say they are not keen.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The leaders rejected the soft meliorism of more secular activists, the idea that significant progress could be made through consciousness-raising and education campaigns, through consensus and gradual reform.

The New York Times

On the face of it, it looks as though the nation has preserved much of what made it different: it has, for instance, held on to its preference for consensus and gradual change, to the dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party and to a business culture that shelters jobs.

The Economist

Mr. Geithner, Mr. Green said, needs to meet criticisms in the United States that he is too soft on China while at the same time not interfering with any gradual shift in the consensus among Chinese officials toward allowing the renminbi to inch up this year.

The New York Times

The study bolsters a fragile consensus that gradual retreat, rather than sudden collapse, is the most likely fate of the ice sheet during the next few thousand years, he says.

Science Magazine

But then the gradual accumulation becomes overwhelming, consensus changes, and the law follows".

Environmental Health Perspectives

Despite some grumbling on the left and right, Mr. Obama's pullout plan generated support across party lines on Friday, including from his rival in last year's election and advisers to his predecessor, indicating an emerging consensus behind a gradual but firm exit from Iraq.

The New York Times

Dr. McClellan said the group tried to reach a bipartisan consensus about the many gradual steps that could be taken to help the country control medical costs while improving the quality of care.

The New York Times

Some of these measures are supposed to be put into force already in 2010 in order to obtain a gradual but constant shift from road to rail ("consensus" scenario) or a gradual growth of traffic rail ("trend" scenario).

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the deliberate nature of reaching an accord, use "gradual consensus" particularly when referring to sensitive topics or scenarios where immediate agreement is unlikely.

Common error

Be cautious about using "gradual consensus" when describing situations where agreement is reached quickly or easily. The phrase implies a slow, methodical process; using it inappropriately can mislead readers about the actual dynamics involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradual consensus" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe the slow development of agreement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it characterizes a process where alignment of views occurs incrementally.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gradual consensus" is a noun phrase denoting a slow, evolving agreement process. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in written English, primarily in news and scientific contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates a deliberate approach to reaching accord, making it suitable for describing situations where alignment requires careful negotiation and time. Alternatives include phrases like "evolving agreement", "incremental agreement", and "developing consensus". Remember to use "gradual consensus" when it's critical to highlight that the agreement has taken time and effort to come together and to avoid overstating its quickness or ease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Evolving agreement

This alternative focuses on the development of the agreement over time, rather than the process of reaching it. It emphasizes the change and growth of the consensus.

Progressive accord

This option highlights the forward-moving nature of the agreement, implying a step-by-step development towards consensus. "Accord" is slightly more formal than "consensus".

Incremental agreement

This phrase stresses that the agreement is reached in small steps or increments, which can be useful to show how small adjustments lead to agreement.

Stepwise consensus

This alternative emphasizes that the consensus is achieved through defined steps, suggesting a more structured and methodical approach.

Developing consensus

This option emphasizes the continuous nature of consensus-building, focusing on the active process of development.

Emerging consensus

This phrase points out the consensus is new and beginning to exist, suggesting a situation where agreement is just starting to form.

Slowly forming agreement

This version directly states the pace at which the agreement is forming, making it clear that the process is unhurried.

Gradual convergence

This alternative highlights the process of different opinions or ideas moving closer together until they converge into a consensus.

Evolving understanding

Here, the focus shifts to understanding rather than agreement, emphasizing the slow development of comprehension that leads to a shared viewpoint.

Progressive harmonization

This alternative suggests that different elements are being brought into harmony over time, implying a smoother integration of viewpoints.

FAQs

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

You can use "gradual consensus" to describe a process where agreement is reached slowly over time, such as, "The committee worked towards a "gradual consensus" on the new policy".

What's the difference between "gradual consensus" and "sudden agreement"?

"Gradual consensus" implies a slow, evolving process of reaching an agreement, while "sudden agreement" suggests a quick and immediate accord. Use "gradual consensus" when describing processes that take time and deliberation.

What are some alternatives to "gradual consensus"?

Alternatives to "gradual consensus" include "evolving agreement", "incremental agreement", or "developing consensus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is "gradual consensus" most appropriately used?

"Gradual consensus" is best used in situations where agreement requires careful negotiation, deliberation, and compromise over an extended period, such as in policy-making, international relations, or organizational change. The point is to show that "agreement" takes time.