serious consultation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious consultation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a formal or in-depth discussion or meeting regarding important matters. Example: "Before making any decisions, we need to have a serious consultation with all stakeholders involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

To do this without the serious consultation that the Smith commission recommended is unwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was done without serious consultation with the broader A.N.C. Cosatu and the Communists have never had the courage to independently contest a parliamentary election.

The New York Times

The national director of the Wilderness Society, Lyndon Schneiders, said the document made public by BP was too short to count as serious consultation with the public.

The Guardian - Business

But since then, church officials have had to recognize the difficulty of any responsible orderly development of doctrine and any serious consultation of the laity in an age of media hubbub and instant opinion polls.

The New York Times

He tells of a "rolling coup" by which the Labour leader and his "Bolshevik" cabal seized and consolidated control of the party, ending the trade unions' block vote, diminishing the role of MPs and punishing outspoken union bosses.The result, Mr Minkin argues, was a substitution of the leader's charisma and executive authority for serious consultation.

The Economist

Archbishop Vincent Nichols "This Christmas we are also conscious of new shadows cast by a Government that pledged at its election to support the institution of marriage … the Prime Minister has decided without mandate, without any serious consultation to redefine the identity of marriage itself, the foundation of the family for all generations to come".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

No administration official can say for sure, beyond a promise that it will be the subject of serious consultations in Moscow and NATO's capitals.

The New York Times

He told lawmakers that his government was "willing to engage in serious consultations" on how to implement accords that the two previous South Korean presidents, Kim Dandjung and Roh Moo-hyun, reached with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-in, in 2000 and 2007.

The New York Times

"I would not be going to Congress if I wasn't serious about consultation, and I believe that by shaping the authorization to make sure we accomplish the mission, then we will be effective," Obama said before a briefing with congressional leaders about the Syria situation.

The Guardian

I therefore want to assure you that serious consideration and consultation have gone, and will go into the proposals that follow.

The Guardian

The president said he was serious about congressional consultation or he would not be calling for a vote, and that he was confident lawmakers were treating the issue with the "soberness and seriousness" it deserved.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious consultation", ensure that the context clearly indicates the weight and importance of the discussion being referenced. For example, "The new policy required a serious consultation with all stakeholders".

Common error

Avoid using "serious consultation" when describing routine or minor discussions. The phrase implies a significant and thorough process, so reserve it for situations where the discussion genuinely warrants such description. For instance, using "serious consultation" to describe a casual chat would be an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious consultation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "consultation". Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and acceptable, indicating its role in describing a formal or important discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious consultation" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a thorough and important discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal contexts such as news reports, scientific discussions, and business communications. While not extremely frequent, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity and usefulness. When writing, reserve "serious consultation" for situations genuinely warranting significant and thorough discussion, and consider alternatives like "thorough deliberation" or "in-depth discussion" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough deliberation

Emphasizes the depth and careful consideration involved in the consultation.

in-depth discussion

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the discussion.

extensive deliberation

Focuses on the breadth and scope of the consideration.

comprehensive inquiry

Stresses the thoroughness and completeness of the investigation.

rigorous assessment

Highlights the strict and detailed evaluation involved.

careful consideration

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and attention given.

earnest discussion

Highlights the sincere and serious nature of the discussion.

significant conference

Focuses on the importance and weight of the meeting.

critical negotiation

Highlights the essential and decisive nature of the negotiation.

detailed examination

Emphasizes the meticulous and thorough inspection.

FAQs

What does "serious consultation" mean?

"Serious consultation" refers to a thorough and in-depth discussion or meeting, typically involving key stakeholders or experts, to address important issues or make significant decisions.

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

You might say, "Before implementing the new regulations, the government held a "serious consultation" with industry leaders".

What are some alternatives to "serious consultation"?

Alternatives include "thorough deliberation", "in-depth discussion", or "extensive deliberation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "serious consultation" formal or informal?

"Serious consultation" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for professional, academic, or official contexts. It implies a structured and important discussion.