reach consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reach consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an agreement between two or more people that is reached through discussion and compromise. For example, "After an hour of debate, the team was able to reach consensus on the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here, the Jets did not reach consensus.

The New York Times - Sports

We must be able to reach consensus.

The Guardian

If they fail to reach consensus, we will step in.

The New York Times

Members of both parties are trying to reach consensus.

The New York Times

How do we reach consensus on the next one?

The Guardian

We will need debate to reach consensus over such matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

Will it be easy to reach consensus on these issues?

The New York Times

The card system is the tool used to reach consensus.

The New York Times

Did the class reach consensus on their opinions?

The New York Times

I think I can help broker deals and reach consensus".

The New York Times

Fiom called on Fiat to reopen negotiations to reach consensus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reach consensus", ensure all parties involved have an equal opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. Promote open dialogue to facilitate a mutually agreeable solution.

Common error

Avoid prematurely declaring that you have reached a consensus without thoroughly considering all viewpoints. Rushing the process can lead to dissatisfaction and undermine the agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reach consensus" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of arriving at a generally acceptable agreement. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, such as political negotiations, business discussions, and scientific collaborations, all aiming to achieve mutual understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reach consensus" is a frequently used and grammatically correct term that signifies the action of arriving at a mutual agreement. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. It is used to describe the process or outcome of group decision-making, emphasizing the alignment of different viewpoints. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure that all voices are heard and that the agreement is not prematurely declared. Alternatives like "achieve agreement" or "find common ground" can be used to add nuance, as long as the overall meaning is preserved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build consensus

Emphasizes the process of gradually forming agreement.

achieve agreement

This alternative emphasizes the successful completion of the agreement process.

develop consensus

Focuses on the creation and evolution of agreement.

establish agreement

Highlights the action of setting up the agreement

forge a consensus

Highlights the effort and determination involved in reaching an agreement.

come to terms

This suggests finding a compromise to resolve a disagreement.

find common ground

Focuses on the shared interests or beliefs that enable agreement.

find accord

Indicates a state of harmony and agreement.

arrive at a settlement

Implies a formal resolution, often in legal or business settings.

attain unanimity

Suggests complete agreement with no dissent.

FAQs

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

You can use "reach consensus" to describe the process of a group arriving at a mutual agreement, such as: "The committee worked diligently to "reach consensus" on the budget proposal."

What are some alternatives to "reach consensus"?

Alternatives include "achieve agreement", "find common ground", or "come to terms", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to "reach consensus"?

While striving for consensus is often desirable, it's not always feasible or necessary. In some situations, a majority vote or a decision by an appointed leader may be more appropriate.

What are the key elements for a group to "reach consensus" effectively?

Effective consensus-building requires open communication, active listening, willingness to compromise, and a shared commitment to finding a solution that addresses the needs and concerns of all parties involved.