have a consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two or more people or organizations have agreed to a same opinion or decision. For example, "After lengthy discussion, the team was able to have a consensus about the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We must have a consensus.

The Guardian

What is important is that we have a consensus document," Mr. Ahmad said.

The New York Times

Because we do not have a consensus on who we are or where we are going".

The New York Times

"We'd like to have a consensus but technically you don't need one," said the official.

The New York Times

We have a consensus on Skint from both hard right and soft left.

Independent

"Right now we have a consensus that something needs to be done," Mr. Wallison said.

The New York Times

Marketers don't have a consensus for what makes up the tween age bracket.

The New York Times

Maybe in the future it's not necessary to have a consensus, but just a platform to discuss topics.

The New York Times

But we did have a consensus favorite, the Margaux, a beautiful ruby color with complex fruit, mineral and tobacco flavors.

The New York Times - Food

"I don't think we have a consensus right now," said Eric T. Schneiderman of Manhattan, the lead sponsor of the legislation in the Senate.

The New York Times

I don't believe we have a consensus on a single thing in migration," said Demetrios G. Papademetriou, the Migration Policy Institute's president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for consensus, ensure all stakeholders have a voice and opportunity to contribute to the discussion. This fosters inclusivity and increases the likelihood of achieving a true and lasting agreement.

Common error

Don't mistake a lack of vocal opposition for genuine consensus. Actively solicit feedback and confirm understanding to ensure everyone is truly on board with the decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a consensus" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the achievement or existence of a general agreement. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is typically used to express that a group or entity shares a common opinion or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a consensus" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression indicating that a group has reached a shared agreement. As evidenced by Ludwig's extensive examples, it's frequently used in news, scientific, and business contexts to report on decisions and outcomes. While synonyms such as "reach an agreement" and "arrive at a mutual decision" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, "have a consensus" is a direct and commonly understood way to express collective agreement. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is perfectly usable in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an agreement

This alternative focuses on the outcome of a discussion or negotiation, where parties arrive at a mutually acceptable decision.

come to a common understanding

This phrase emphasizes the shared comprehension achieved by involved parties.

arrive at a mutual decision

This alternative highlights the decision-making process resulting in an agreed-upon outcome.

find common ground

This phrase suggests identifying shared interests or beliefs as a basis for agreement.

see eye to eye

This idiom implies complete agreement and shared perspective on a matter.

be of one mind

This phrase signifies a unified perspective or opinion among a group.

achieve unanimity

This alternative emphasizes the complete and total agreement of everyone involved.

forge a consensus

This phrase highlights the active process of creating or building agreement.

build a consensus

This option emphasizes the process of forming an agreement over time.

establish a common position

This phrase emphasizes creating a unified viewpoint or stance.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a consensus" to indicate that a group of people has reached an agreement. For example, "The committee needed to "reach an agreement" on the budget before the end of the month."

What is a synonym for "have a consensus"?

Synonyms for "have a consensus" include "reach an agreement", "come to a common understanding", or "arrive at a mutual decision".

Is it always necessary to "have a consensus"?

While consensus is often desirable, it's not always essential or practical. Sometimes, a majority decision or leadership directive may be necessary when reaching complete agreement proves impossible.

What factors help a group "have a consensus"?

Effective communication, mutual respect, a willingness to compromise, and a clear understanding of the issue at hand are crucial factors in helping a group "find common ground" and "have a consensus".