reaching a quorum

USAGE SUMMARY

"reaching a quorum" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which the minimum number of people required to make a decision have gathered, usually in a business or political setting. For example: "The meeting was adjourned after the council members voted on the motion, having reached a quorum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In what some might construe as a loophole, only nine men were allowed in the room behind the green divider, to avoid reaching a quorum.

The New York Times

Mr. Díaz, who had purposely missed previous meetings in order to prevent the panel from reaching a quorum, says that meeting was informal, without a roll call ever being taken.

The New York Times

controversial proposal to strip away collective bargaining rights from public employees is currently stalled, thanks to Senate Democrats who left the state in order to prevent their GOP colleagues from reaching a quorum needed to move forward.

Huffington Post

This may in part be related to the effects upon QS whereby increased efflux activity may increase the transport of efflux pump-dependent QS molecules (pro-virulent) but other QS molecules may be exported from within a cell preventing the concentration of these molecules reaching a quorum (and so inhibit virulence).

European Respiratory Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A similar referendum on changing the electoral system narrowly failed to reach a quorum last year.

The New York Times

None of the six referendums held in the past decade has reached a quorum.

The Economist

Similarly, bacteria, when they reach a quorum, may activate and attack in mass.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(In 1990, a referendum on hunting regulations and the use of pesticides also failed to reach a quorum).

The New York Times

On Monday, there were not enough lawmakers to reach a quorum, so Parliament was adjourned until Jan . 3

The New York Times

In one case, just last month, the court failed to reach a quorum of six members, largely because of justices' stock holdings.

The New York Times

When a specific cell-density threshold is reached, a quorum is perceived, gene expression profiles are altered and the community orchestrates activities that are more effective en masse.

Metabolic Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about meetings or formal decision-making processes, ensure that you clearly indicate the impact of "reaching a quorum" on the subsequent actions or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid assuming that merely gathering any group of individuals constitutes "reaching a quorum". Always verify the specific rules or bylaws that define the required number or proportion for the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reaching a quorum" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb, describing the action of meeting the minimum required number of members for a group to conduct business or make decisions. Ludwig examples highlight the phrase's use in describing both successful and unsuccessful attempts at meeting this requirement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reaching a quorum" is a phrase used to describe the action of meeting the minimum number of members required for a group to conduct official business. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal and neutral registers, primarily in contexts related to News & Media, Science, and Academia. While the phrase is not overly common, understanding its meaning and appropriate usage is crucial for effective communication in settings involving governance, organizational management, and formal decision-making. Alternatives such as "achieving a quorum" or "obtaining a quorum" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieving a quorum

Focuses on the successful attainment of the required number, similar to the original phrase but using a different verb.

obtaining a quorum

Emphasizes the act of acquiring the necessary number, suggesting a process of gathering or securing attendance.

securing a quorum

Highlights the effort involved in ensuring the required number is present, often implying overcoming obstacles.

forming a quorum

Indicates the creation or constitution of the necessary group, shifting the focus to the group itself rather than the act of reaching a number.

meeting quorum requirements

Emphasizes compliance with the rules or regulations regarding quorums, suitable in formal settings.

attaining the quorum threshold

Uses more technical terminology, highlighting that a specific level has been achieved.

establishing a quorum

Suggests a formal process of verification and confirmation that the quorum is valid.

getting enough members present

Informal and direct, focusing on the practical aspect of having sufficient people in attendance.

having the required attendance

Emphasizes the presence of the necessary number of participants, suitable for summarizing a situation.

convening with sufficient members

Focuses on the act of gathering with the minimum necessary participants, suitable for describing a meeting or assembly.

FAQs

How can I use "reaching a quorum" in a sentence?

You can use "reaching a quorum" to describe situations where a minimum number of members is needed for a vote or decision to be valid. For example: "The committee adjourned after "failing to reach a quorum"".

What is the difference between "reaching a quorum" and "establishing a quorum"?

"Reaching a quorum" refers to the act of meeting the minimum number of members needed, while "establishing a quorum" often implies a formal declaration that the minimum number has been verified and is present.

What can I say instead of "reaching a quorum"?

Alternatives include "achieving a quorum", "obtaining a quorum", or "securing a quorum", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "reached a quorum" instead of "reaching a quorum"?

Both are grammatically correct but used in different contexts. "Reached a quorum" indicates a completed action, while "reaching a quorum" refers to the ongoing process or possibility of achieving the necessary number.