it was consensual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was consensual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation where two or more parties mutually agreed to do something. For example, "We both agreed to move to a different city, so it was consensual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was consensual".

The New York Times

It was consensual," Mr Zuma's statement said.

The Guardian

But he claimed that it was consensual.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The men said it was consensual.

The Guardian

But it was consensual and she wasn't menstrual, it was consensual lovely sex.

The Guardian

But not everyone agreed that it was consensual.

The New York Times - Sports

Cosby has said it was consensual sexual activity.

The Guardian

Staff Sgt. Timothy Woodland, 24, said: "It was consensual.

The New York Times

The woman alleged rape; Reeves insisted it was consensual.

The Guardian

"He raped his slave Sally Hemings; whether it was consensual or not is irrelevant".

The New York Times

"Even if it was consensual sex with a hotel maid, it's still an abuse of power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was consensual", clearly define who the involved parties are to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming consent based on silence or lack of resistance. Explicit agreement is essential to confirm that "it was consensual".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was consensual" serves as a statement affirming mutual agreement and voluntary participation. It typically arises to counter claims of coercion or non-consent, indicating that all parties involved acted willingly. Ludwig's examples show how this phrase is used in various contexts, notably in legal and news reporting to address sensitive situations and to clearly state that an action was not forced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was consensual" is a grammatically correct and commonly used statement affirming that an action or agreement was voluntary and not forced. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, often to address claims of non-consent. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly identify the parties involved and ensure that consent was indeed explicit and voluntary. Be mindful of contexts where consent might be compromised, such as instances involving intoxication. Alternatives like "both parties consented" or "there was mutual agreement" can provide similar meanings while offering a different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both parties consented

Focuses on the explicit consent given by all parties involved.

there was mutual consent

Highlights the presence of consent from all participants in the situation.

it was mutually agreed upon

Emphasizes the mutual agreement and understanding between the parties involved.

it was by mutual agreement

Stresses the agreement between the parties involved, indicating a shared understanding.

it was done willingly

Highlights the voluntary nature of the action, indicating a lack of force or pressure.

it was a voluntary act

Formal way to express that the action was not forced, but rather chosen freely.

all parties were in agreement

Highlights the unanimous agreement among all involved parties.

it was a collaborative decision

Implies active participation and agreement in the decision-making process.

it was a shared decision

Emphasizes that the decision was made together, with input from all parties.

there was no coercion

Directly states the absence of any force, threat, or pressure in the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was consensual" in a sentence?

You can use "it was consensual" to describe an action or agreement where all parties involved gave their explicit consent. For example, "The report concluded that "it was consensual", with all participants actively agreeing to the terms".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was consensual"?

Alternatives include "both parties consented", "there was mutual agreement", or "it was voluntary". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to use "it was consensual" if one party was under the influence?

No, if one party was under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the point where they couldn't make a clear decision, it invalidates any claim that "it was consensual". Consent requires a clear and sober mind.

What's the difference between "it was consensual" and "it was agreed upon"?

"It was agreed upon" suggests a formal or explicit agreement, while "it was consensual" emphasizes voluntary agreement without coercion. While similar, "it was consensual" often carries a heavier weight in sensitive contexts, implying a deeper level of voluntary participation.