there is general consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'there is general consensus' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize that a large number of people believe in a certain idea, opinion, or belief. For example, "There is general consensus that climate change is a real and urgent threat to our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At least there is general consensus on a couple of things.

The New York Times

There is general consensus that he disappeared from Jordan a year ago.

The New York Times

In fact, there is general consensus that spending by challengers has a significant effect on those candidates' vote shares.

The New York Times

But for now there is general consensus among members of both parties that it would be prudent to act as soon as possible to assure Social Security's health.

The New York Times

Debate aside, there is general consensus that Congress will have allocated slightly more than $600 billion for Iraq operations through the 2008 fiscal year.

The New York Times

According to various accounts, he was either abducted or he defected, but there is general consensus he is now in the west providing a rich stream of intelligence.

The Guardian

There is general consensus that Chicago -- the nation's third-largest school system and one that used to be among the worst -- has made real progress.

The New York Times

But while there is general consensus in Congress on a need to help people who have lost their jobs, there are serious divisions between the parties over how long the benefit extension should be.

The New York Times

This may sound drastic, but there is general consensus within the energy industry that tackling energy inefficiency within the UK's housing stock is the best way to fight fuel poverty.

The Guardian

While there is debate about the specific effects of climate change on food production, there is general consensus that the impact of global warming on food production will be largely negative.

The Guardian

After all, it is not as if there is general consensus regarding the regulations to which industry should be subject.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is general consensus" to introduce established ideas or facts, signaling to your audience that the point is widely accepted and not just your personal opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "there is general consensus" if the agreement is not truly widespread. Exaggerating consensus can weaken your argument if challenged. Use qualifiers like "among experts" or "in most cases" for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is general consensus" serves as an introductory device to signal widespread agreement or shared understanding regarding a particular topic. It functions to establish a common ground before presenting further information or arguments. Ludwig AI confirms this as a standard and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "there is general consensus" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to introduce a statement that reflects a broad agreement or shared understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use across various contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it's frequently employed in scientific and news-related domains to establish credibility by referencing collective viewpoints. While the phrase is versatile, remember to be specific about who holds the consensus to maintain clarity and avoid overstating the level of agreement. Alternatives such as "there is widespread agreement" or "it is generally accepted" can be used for nuanced expression. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "there is general consensus" to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the consensus is

A more concise phrasing, omitting "general" for brevity. More direct, less nuanced.

there is widespread agreement

Replaces "consensus" with "agreement", emphasizing the extent of agreement.

there is broad agreement

Similar to "widespread agreement", but emphasizes the breadth of the agreement.

there is common understanding

Focuses on shared understanding rather than explicit agreement.

it is generally accepted

Shifts the focus to acceptance, implying agreement but also potentially passive compliance.

it is the general opinion

Focuses on the collective opinion as the basis for consensus.

it is widely believed

Highlights the widespread belief in something, which can contribute to a general consensus.

the prevailing view is

Emphasizes the dominant or most common perspective.

the common view is

Highlights the commonality of the viewpoint.

most people agree

A simpler, more direct way to express a general consensus.

FAQs

How can I use "there is general consensus" in a sentence?

You can use "there is general consensus" to introduce a widely accepted idea or opinion. For example, "There is general consensus that early intervention is crucial for children with developmental delays."

What are some alternatives to "there is general consensus"?

Some alternatives include "there is widespread agreement", "it is generally accepted", or "the consensus is", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who holds the "general consensus"?

While not always mandatory, specifying who holds the consensus enhances clarity and credibility. For instance, "There is general consensus among scientists" is more informative than just "There is general consensus."

What's the difference between "there is general consensus" and "there is unanimous agreement"?

"There is general consensus" implies a broad agreement, while "there is unanimous agreement" suggests that everyone is in complete accord. "There is general consensus" acknowledges that there might be some dissent, while "unanimous agreement" does not.