seeking a consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking a consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of trying to reach an agreement or common understanding among a group of people. Example: "During the meeting, we focused on seeking a consensus to ensure that everyone's opinions were considered before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

You rarely get these qualities when seeking a consensus.

The New Yorker

Aznar had plunged his country into Iraq without seeking a consensus, unlike other Coalition leaders.

The New Yorker

He would, he said, be seeking a consensus with other parties.

The Economist

Florida marked the last stand not simply for the 44-year-old senator, but also for a party seeking a consensus alternative to Trump.

The Guardian

LONDON, Sept. 29 - The European Union, seeking a consensus on terms for membership talks with Turkey that are set to begin Monday, failed to reach one Thursday.

The New York Times

Johnston advocates seeking a consensus among the OECD's 30 member countries on guidelines that would then probably become the standard for the rest of the world.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

When there are divergences, they seek a consensus.

The New York Times

"All sides should seek a consensus allowing a return to calm," an EU statement said.

The Guardian

Earlier, the prime minister was defended by his chancellor, George Osborne, for trying to seek a consensus.

The Guardian

He seeks a consensus and is more open to hearing other opinions; or, perhaps, he is simply more malleable.

The New York Times

The House Democratic Caucus held meetings throughout the day to seek a consensus on its version of the legislation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "seeking a consensus", ensure that the context clearly indicates the parties involved and the subject matter over which the consensus is desired. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "seeking a consensus" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "trying to agree" or "finding common ground" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking a consensus" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes the action of attempting to reach an agreement or common understanding. It is commonly used to describe processes in politics, business, and other areas where group decisions are necessary.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seeking a consensus" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the action of trying to reach an agreement or common understanding. It's most frequently found in news, science, and formal business contexts, reflecting its formal and professional tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase, opting for simpler alternatives in casual conversations. Consider using synonyms like "working towards a consensus" or "striving for a consensus" to add nuance to your writing. Ensure your usage clearly indicates the parties involved and the subject of the agreement for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursuing a consensus

Replaces "seeking" with "pursuing", suggesting a more active and determined effort.

working towards a consensus

Replaces "seeking" with "working towards", emphasizing the process and effort involved.

striving for a consensus

Replaces "seeking" with "striving for", highlighting the difficulty and effort required.

aiming for a consensus

Replaces "seeking" with "aiming for", focusing on the goal or objective.

endeavoring to reach a consensus

More formal and emphasizes the effort to "reach" a consensus rather than just "seeking" it.

attempting to build a consensus

Emphasizes the construction or creation of a consensus.

trying to find a consensus

Replaces "seeking" with "trying to find", making the effort more exploratory.

exploring avenues for agreement

Shifts the focus to the process of finding a common ground, not just the consensus itself.

promoting agreement among parties

Highlights the act of promoting or facilitating the agreement.

fostering a shared understanding

Focuses on building a common understanding as a foundation for consensus.

FAQs

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

You can use "seeking a consensus" to describe the action of trying to reach an agreement. For example: "The committee is "seeking a consensus" on the new policy." or "The leaders are "seeking a consensus" to resolve the dispute."

What are some alternatives to "seeking a consensus"?

Alternatives include "working towards a consensus", "striving for a consensus", or "aiming for a consensus". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "seeking a consensus" formal or informal?

"Seeking a consensus" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. In very informal contexts, simpler phrases like "trying to agree" might be more appropriate.

What does "seeking a consensus" imply?

The phrase "seeking a consensus" implies an active effort to find a point of agreement that is acceptable to all or most parties involved. It suggests a deliberate process of discussion and compromise.