tacit consent

USAGE SUMMARY

"tacit consent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe an act or agreement that is implied, but not explicitly stated. For example, you might say, "He had tacit consent to use the facility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Beyond the point where you get citizens' tacit consent, it's all gravy, really.

The Economist

It suspects the terrorists acted with the army's tacit consent and perhaps its active connivance.

The Economist

Quisling asserted that the Allies would intervene in Norway with the tacit consent of the Norwegian Government.

Yale University

The mass exodus and break-up of families took place with the tacit consent of Fidel Castro.

Columbia University

Paper currencies always need tacit consent from their users that they will exchange bills for actual stuff.

The Economist

In 1867 Rattazzi was again asked to be premier, and again Garibaldi marched on Rome, with Rattazzi's tacit consent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you leave your teenagers alone for a weekend, they will take it as tacit consent to hold a Facebook party.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It would also be giving its tacit consent to the dangerous idea of an imperial president — above the law and beyond the reach of checks and balances.

The New York Times

China's tacit consent is also considered important if the United States is to keep warplanes and troops on China's western doorstep in Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries.

The New York Times

Itō unhappily, but with characteristic flexibility, continually worked out compromises with the parties until by 1900 no cabinet could be formed without their tacit consent.

Britannica

"The United Kingdom is being slowly dismembered and hollowed out in full view, and with the tacit consent, of the political classes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tacit consent" when you want to indicate agreement or permission that is understood or implied, rather than explicitly stated. This is especially useful in legal, political, or organizational contexts where actions or inactions carry significant weight.

Common error

Don't assume "tacit consent" where explicit confirmation is necessary. In situations with high stakes or potential for misunderstanding, always seek clear and direct agreement to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tacit consent" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where agreement or permission is implied or understood without being explicitly stated. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides many examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

31%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tacit consent" is a frequently used phrase that describes agreement or permission that is implied or understood without being explicitly stated. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, it's important to ensure explicit confirmation is sought when clarity is essential. Alternative phrases like "implied agreement" or "tacit approval" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tacit approval

A more direct synonym, replacing "consent" with "approval" to emphasize the affirmative aspect.

implied consent

A close synonym, replacing "tacit" with "implied" for a similar meaning of indirect expression.

implied agreement

Focuses on the agreement aspect, suggesting an understanding reached without direct communication.

unstated approval

Emphasizes the approval aspect, highlighting that acceptance is conveyed indirectly.

tacit understanding

Focuses on the mutual understanding reached without explicit communication, which leads to consent.

implicit permission

Highlights the allowance aspect, suggesting that authorization is granted non-verbally.

understood acquiescence

Conveys a sense of acceptance through silence or lack of opposition that is generally understood.

silent acceptance

Emphasizes the lack of verbal communication in the act of agreeing.

non-verbal agreement

Highlights that the agreement is communicated through means other than words.

assumed consent

Suggests that consent is taken for granted based on the situation or behavior.

FAQs

How is "tacit consent" used in legal contexts?

"Tacit consent" in law refers to agreement inferred from silence or inaction, but it's often scrutinized and may not hold up unless there's a clear duty to object. For example, "implied consent" is sometimes invoked in medical emergencies.

What's a common scenario where "tacit consent" might be misinterpreted?

A common misinterpretation occurs in team settings. If a team member doesn't voice objections to a proposal, it might be wrongly assumed they give their "unstated approval" when in fact they may have reservations but felt unheard or intimidated.

How does "tacit consent" differ from explicit consent?

Explicit consent is directly and clearly expressed, either verbally or in writing. "Tacit consent", conversely, is implied through actions, silence, or lack of opposition. Explicit consent leaves no room for doubt, while "assumed consent" relies on interpretation.

When is it inappropriate to rely on "tacit consent"?

It's inappropriate to rely on "tacit consent" in situations requiring informed consent, such as medical procedures or contractual agreements, where a clear and documented agreement is essential. In such cases, relying on "non-verbal agreement" can lead to ethical and legal issues.