grudging consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grudging consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where agreement is reached reluctantly or with reservations. Example: "After much debate, the committee finally reached a grudging consensus on the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Though such righteous cupidity gave way, over the years, to a grudging consensus in favor of progressive taxation, it was resurrected, in the nineteen-nineties, by mainstream conservatives.

The New Yorker

On the question of the national debt, all the forces of stagnation are at their worst: we're like Israel, where there is something very close to a grudging consensus about a two-state peace, but every attempt to enact it is hogtied by democracy.

The New York Times

But at a large conference at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in Manhattan last week, where several hundred industry executives gathered to promote their industry and learn from one another, the boosterism was tempered by frequent discordant notes and the grudging consensus that nobody really knows what, if anything, the public may want.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Diplomats then spent four years dismissing maroon ("too mundane", according to a report at the time) and then purple before reaching a wine-coloured consensus in 1981.Even that met only grudging acceptance.

The Economist

It might limit the diplomatic convoy of consensus he is assembling, which will travel at the rate of its most grudging member.

The New York Times

In Italy, the two-month-old coalition government of Prime Minister Enrico Letta, the product of a deadlocked Parliament, is badly split over the austerity issue, and is being kept alive less by consensus and more by its members' fear of political extinction — as well as by Europe's grudging acknowledgment that Italy is too big to fail and too big to bail out.

The New York Times

This grudging praise.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Vidal won a grudging apology.

The New York Times - Books

It was a grudging endorsement, however.

The Economist

Most respondents expressed a somewhat grudging acceptance.

The New Yorker

Rivals express grudging admiration for Emirates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grudging consensus" to accurately portray situations where agreement is reached despite underlying reluctance or reservations. This adds nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "grudging consensus" when the agreement is strong or enthusiastic. It should only be applied when there's clear reluctance or reservation involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grudging consensus" functions as a noun phrase, where "grudging" modifies the noun "consensus". It describes a specific type of agreement reached with reluctance. Ludwig shows examples in news articles describing taxation or stagnation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grudging consensus" is a phrase used to describe an agreement reached with reluctance or reservation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for expressing qualified agreement. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it's a useful phrase for portraying situations where agreement isn't enthusiastic. Alternatives like "reluctant agreement" or "hesitant agreement" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using "grudging consensus", ensure it accurately reflects the presence of underlying reluctance to avoid misrepresenting the strength of agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reluctant agreement

Replaces "grudging" with "reluctant", emphasizing the unwillingness to agree.

hesitant agreement

Substitutes "grudging" with "hesitant", focusing on the uncertainty in the agreement.

qualified consensus

Replaces "grudging" with "qualified", suggesting the agreement is not absolute or unconditional.

grudging acceptance

Shifts from consensus to acceptance, highlighting the reluctant nature of the acceptance.

forced agreement

Emphasizes the coercion or pressure that led to the agreement.

uneasy agreement

Focuses on the discomfort or lack of confidence associated with the agreement.

grudging consent

Replaces "consensus" with "consent", implying a more individual level of agreement.

half-hearted agreement

Highlights the lack of enthusiasm or commitment in the agreement.

unenthusiastic consensus

Similar to half-hearted agreement, but retains the term consensus.

minimal consensus

Suggests that the level of agreement is just barely sufficient.

FAQs

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

You might say, "After a lengthy debate, a "grudging consensus" emerged among the committee members regarding the proposed budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to "grudging consensus"?

Consider using alternatives like "reluctant agreement", "hesitant agreement", or "qualified consensus" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "grudging consensus" a formal or informal expression?

"Grudging consensus" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, commonly found in news and analytical writing.

What does "grudging" really add to the meaning of "consensus"?

"Grudging" emphasizes that the "consensus" was reached despite reluctance or reservations, highlighting the underlying tension or disagreement.