prior consultation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'prior consultation' is both correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to refer to the process of discussing a decision or plan with someone before making it. For example: "Before making any major changes to the company's policy, it is important to have prior consultation with all relevant stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No announcement, no prior consultation".

The New York Times

It requires prior consultation with him.

The New York Times

There should have been prior consultation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There was no prior consultation," he said.

The Guardian

Frith alleges FirstPort broke section 20 several times by spending five-figure sums without prior consultation.

The Guardian - Money

No prior consultation, discussion or deliberation was had with the Oromo people, the ancestral owners of the land.

The Guardian - Opinion

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said it was surprised the chancellor had announced the shakeup without prior consultation.

The Guardian

So why do I think the Met acted on its own say-so without prior consultation with Labour ministers?

The Guardian

"You aren't meant to issue such a harsh statement by surprise, without prior consultation".

The New York Times

But the harbour association's "prior consultation" wheeze is barely a decade old.

The Economist

The B.J.P. said in a statement, "The U.P.A. had no prior consultation with the opposition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prior consultation", ensure it's clear with whom the consultation should take place. Be specific about the parties involved to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that consulting with a select few is sufficient. Ensure you've identified all relevant stakeholders who should be included in the "prior consultation" process to avoid resentment or incomplete information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior consultation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing a necessary step before making decisions or implementing changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prior consultation" is a common and grammatically correct term used to emphasize the necessity of seeking input from relevant parties before making decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The analysis highlights the importance of identifying stakeholders and ensuring inclusivity in the consultation process. Alternative phrases like "preliminary discussion" or "early engagement" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively communicate the importance of seeking advice and approval before acting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary discussion

Replaces "consultation" with a more informal term, suggesting an early-stage conversation.

early engagement

Highlights the proactive involvement of stakeholders from the beginning.

pre-decision dialogue

Highlights the communicative aspect of the process leading up to a decision.

preliminary input

Focuses on gathering feedback before proceeding.

advance notification

Focuses on informing someone beforehand, rather than seeking their input.

initial deliberation

Implies a more formal and thoughtful consideration beforehand.

early solicitation of feedback

Emphasizes seeking opinions and reactions at an early stage.

pre-agreement discussion

Emphasizes the need for discussion before reaching an agreement.

prior briefing

Suggests informing someone about something before an event or action.

pre-emptive discussion

Highlights the preventative nature of the discussion.

FAQs

What does "prior consultation" mean?

The term "prior consultation" refers to seeking advice, opinions, or approval from relevant parties before making a decision or taking action. It emphasizes proactive engagement and consideration of others' perspectives.

How can I use "prior consultation" in a sentence?

You can use "prior consultation" in sentences like: "The company should have engaged in "prior consultation" with the union before implementing the new policy." or "Prior consultation with the affected communities is essential before starting the project".

What are some alternatives to "prior consultation"?

Alternatives include "preliminary discussion", "early engagement", or "advance notification", depending on the specific context and desired level of involvement.

What's the importance of "prior consultation" in project management?

"Prior consultation" in project management helps ensure that all stakeholders are informed, their concerns are addressed, and their input is considered, leading to better project outcomes and reduced risks of conflicts or misunderstandings.