reached a consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

"reached a consensus" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when two or more people have agreed on something after a discussion. For example, "After a lengthy debate, the committee finally reached a consensus about the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They rarely reached a consensus.

The New York Times - Health

Now the family appear to have reached a consensus.

The Guardian - Opinion

At press time, they had not reached a consensus.

The New York Times

The principals quickly reached a consensus on attacking the gathering.

The Washington Post

Is it once the scientific community has reached a consensus?

The Washington Post

They reached a consensus that must have pleased their hosts.

The Economist

Yet most of those changes are incremental, enacted only after the full leadership reached a consensus.

The New York Times

We never reached a consensus, but the work was stronger for his skepticism.

The New Yorker

Medicine has not reached a consensus about the causes of and remedies for obesity.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The law on the death penalty has pretty much reached a consensus, too," he continued.

The New Yorker

But they have not reached a consensus on what to do with the trade center site.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the scope and limitations of the consensus. Does it represent a broad agreement or a more limited understanding on specific points?

Common error

Avoid implying that reaching a "consensus" means everyone is completely satisfied. Consensus often involves compromise, and some individuals may still harbor reservations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached a consensus" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of arriving at a general agreement among a group of people. Ludwig shows examples in varied contexts, confirming its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reached a consensus" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of a group coming to a general agreement after discussion. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. Alternatives include "achieved agreement", "came to an understanding", and "found common ground", each carrying slightly different connotations. While "reached a consensus" suggests a resolution of differing opinions, it does not necessarily imply complete agreement from all parties involved. By understanding these nuances, you can use the phrase effectively and avoid common pitfalls in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieved agreement

Focuses on the accomplishment of reaching a mutually acceptable decision or understanding. It shifts the emphasis to the result itself.

saw eye to eye

A more informal way of saying they agreed completely. It implies a shared perspective.

came to an understanding

Highlights the process of developing a shared comprehension. It's more about understanding each other's viewpoints.

were of one mind

Indicates a complete unity of thought or opinion. It suggests a strong level of agreement.

found common ground

Emphasizes the discovery of shared interests or beliefs. It suggests a foundation for agreement.

were in accord

A more formal way of saying they agreed. It emphasizes harmony and alignment.

forged a consensus

Highlights the effort and collaboration involved in reaching an agreement, emphasizing the creation of a shared view.

settled on a decision

Focuses on the final resolution of a matter. It suggests a formal conclusion to a debate or discussion.

established unanimity

Implies complete agreement among all parties involved, emphasizing the absence of dissent.

struck a deal

Suggests a negotiation process that led to an agreement, often with specific terms and conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "reached a consensus" to indicate that a group has come to an agreement after discussion. For example, "The committee "reached a consensus" on the new budget proposal."

What are some alternatives to saying "reached a consensus"?

Alternatives include "achieved agreement", "came to an understanding", or "found common ground", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary for everyone to completely agree when a "consensus" is reached?

No, "reached a consensus" often implies that a majority agrees and that dissenting opinions have been considered, but not necessarily that everyone is in complete agreement. It suggests a general acceptance rather than absolute unanimity.

What's the difference between "reached a consensus" and "voted in favor of"?

"Reached a consensus" suggests a process of discussion and compromise leading to a general agreement, while "voted in favor of" implies a formal decision made through a voting process, which may not involve consensus-building.