the general consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

'the general consensus' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the opinion or agreement that most people have about something. For example, "The general consensus among the town's residents was that the new park should be kept open until 10 pm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is the general consensus that the trade creation effect is important to generate intra-trade.

Journal of Shipping and Trade

And the general consensus?

Independent

Windows, says the general consensus.

The Economist

I think that's the general consensus".

The New York Times

The general consensus is that they can.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That was the general consensus.

The New York Times - Sports

The general consensus is "everything".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Yum," was the general consensus.

The New York Times - Food

Next year, seems to be the general consensus.

The Economist

The general consensus is that Arsenal must sign a striker.

The Guardian - Sport

The general consensus was a lot of shrugging.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the general consensus" to indicate a shared understanding or agreement, but be mindful of potentially excluding minority viewpoints. Always consider whether the consensus is truly universal or if there are dissenting opinions that should be acknowledged.

Common error

Avoid presenting "the general consensus" as absolute truth. Even when a majority agrees, there can be valid alternative perspectives. Acknowledge the possibility of other viewpoints to maintain objectivity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the general consensus" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a collective agreement or widely held opinion on a particular matter. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse sources demonstrating its use in expressing shared beliefs and understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the general consensus" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to indicate a widely held belief or agreement. Ludwig provides ample examples from various sources, confirming its frequent usage in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's essential to be aware of its potential to oversimplify or exclude minority viewpoints. Always consider the context and ensure accuracy when using this phrase to represent shared understanding. Alternatives such as "the prevailing view" or "the common understanding" can offer nuanced options for expressing similar concepts. The phrase is deemed correct and useful by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the prevailing view

Focuses more on the dominance of a particular viewpoint.

the common understanding

Emphasizes shared comprehension among a group.

the widely held belief

Highlights the broad acceptance of a specific idea or conviction.

the popular opinion

Stresses the widespread favor or acceptance among the public.

the accepted wisdom

Suggests a belief or idea that is generally regarded as true or sound.

the majority view

Indicates the opinion held by the largest portion of a group.

the overall agreement

Highlights the collective assent on a matter.

the standard line

Implies an official or commonly repeated explanation or justification.

the dominant narrative

Refers to the prevailing story or account that shapes understanding.

the conventional wisdom

Suggests the commonly accepted beliefs, often without critical examination.

FAQs

How can I use "the general consensus" in a sentence?

You can use "the general consensus" to indicate a widely held belief or opinion, for example: "The general consensus among economists is that a recession is likely."

What are some alternatives to "the general consensus"?

Alternatives include "the prevailing view", "the common understanding", or "the widely held belief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to refer to "the general consensus"?

While "the general consensus" implies widespread agreement, it's important to acknowledge that dissenting opinions may exist. Ensure you're representing the situation accurately and not dismissing minority viewpoints.

What's the difference between "the general consensus" and "popular opinion"?

"The general consensus" suggests a more reasoned or informed agreement, while "popular opinion" often refers to what is favored by the public, which may not always be based on facts or expertise.