the consensus was

USAGE SUMMARY

"the consensus was" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement or idea that is agreed upon by a group or majority of people. Here is an example: "The consensus was that the company should invest in new technology to improve overall efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The consensus was "Henrying".

The New York Times - Sports

The consensus was no.

The New York Times

But the consensus was inescapable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The consensus was wrong.

The Washington Post

Still, the consensus was general enjoyment.

The New York Times

The consensus was for Coming Together.

The New York Times

The consensus was to stay with news.

The New Yorker

The consensus was that it was overripe.

The New York Times - Food

The consensus was they were awful.

The New York Times - Sports

The consensus was hundreds of years.

The Guardian - Tech

The consensus was warmer than that.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the consensus was" to introduce a summary of opinions or beliefs, providing context for subsequent discussions or decisions. Ensure that the consensus genuinely represents the majority view.

Common error

Avoid using "the consensus was" if you haven't thoroughly assessed different viewpoints. Ensure you are not presenting a personal belief or a limited perspective as a broadly accepted agreement. This could undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the consensus was" serves as a sentence opener or introductory clause. It introduces a statement that summarizes a collective opinion or agreement, setting the stage for explaining the outcome of discussions or deliberations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the consensus was" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a shared agreement or prevailing opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the consensus accurately reflects a collective viewpoint, avoiding assumptions or misrepresentations. Consider alternatives like "it was generally agreed" or "the prevailing view was" to nuance your expression. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively convey shared understanding and enhance the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the general agreement was

More directly emphasizes the agreement aspect.

it was generally agreed

Focuses on the act of agreeing, rather than the state of agreement.

the prevailing view was

Highlights the dominance of a specific viewpoint.

the collective opinion was

Stresses that the view is formed by multiple individuals or groups.

it was the common understanding

Emphasizes shared comprehension rather than explicit agreement.

the accepted notion was

Highlights the acceptance of an idea as valid or true.

it was widely believed

Focuses on the widespread nature of the belief, without necessarily implying formal agreement.

the popular belief was

Highlights the widespread acceptance of a particular idea, possibly without critical examination.

the established wisdom was

Indicates a long-standing and widely accepted idea.

the overall sentiment was

Captures the general emotional attitude or feeling towards something.

FAQs

How do you use "the consensus was" in a sentence?

The phrase "the consensus was" is used to introduce a conclusion, decision, or understanding that has been reached by a group of people. For example, "The consensus was that the project should proceed as planned".

What are some alternatives to "the consensus was"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was generally agreed", "the prevailing view was", or "the general agreement was". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the consensus was" in formal writing?

Yes, "the consensus was" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly and professionally indicates a shared understanding or agreement. Just ensure that the claim of consensus is well-supported by evidence.

Can "the consensus was" be used when there is still some disagreement?

It's best to avoid using "the consensus was" if significant disagreement persists. Instead, you could say something like "while there were differing opinions, the majority view was" or "the general trend was" to acknowledge the nuances of the situation.