they consented to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they consented to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that individuals have agreed to something, often in a legal or formal context. Example: "After reviewing the terms, they consented to the agreement without any objections."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They consented to the penalties without admitting or denying guilt.

The New York Times

They consented to be filmed while participating in a study of human behavior.

Stanford University

But they consented to a vote, likely tomorrow, at which Gonzales is expected to be confirmed.

The Washington Post

Neither they nor their parents were asked if they consented to this.

The Guardian

They consented to interviews on the condition that only these gang names be used.

The New York Times

He had stopped asking girlfriends if they consented to sex over the last 12 months".

The Guardian

The Republicans say that they would lose all their leverage if they consented to such an arrangement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Citizens might not have liked this regime, but they consented to because they understood the need for it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hundreds of thousands of users were paid a small fee to take a personality test and they consented to have their data collected.

The Guardian - Tech

They consented to the interviews, in the presence of Kurdish guards, saying they hope to persuade their home governments to let them return.

The Washington Post

Eligible individuals then saw a consent form displayed and were required to answer a question asking if they consented to taking part in the study.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they consented to" when you want to emphasize a formal or informed agreement. This phrase often implies that the individuals involved were aware of the implications of their decision.

Common error

Be careful not to use "they consented to" when individuals merely implied agreement. Consent requires explicit agreement, not just tacit acceptance or lack of objection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they consented to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating agreement or permission granted by a group of individuals. It typically precedes a verb or noun phrase specifying the action or situation to which consent was given. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable format.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they consented to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting that a group of people have explicitly agreed to something. As confirmed by Ludwig, its applications span across diverse fields, most notably in science, news reporting, and academia. When writing, prioritize using the phrase in formal settings where highlighting the informed nature of the agreement is crucial. Ludwig suggests alternatives, such as "they agreed to" or "they permitted", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they agreed to

Emphasizes a mutual understanding and acceptance of a proposal or action.

they gave their consent for

Highlights the formal act of granting permission or approval.

they permitted

Focuses on allowing something to happen without direct involvement.

they authorized

Implies a formal approval, often by someone in a position of authority.

they acquiesced to

Suggests reluctant agreement or passive acceptance.

they signed off on

Indicates final approval, often in a professional or bureaucratic setting.

they were amenable to

Indicates a willingness or openness to a suggestion or plan.

they yielded to

Implies a surrender to a request or demand.

they approved of

Focuses on giving favorable consideration and acceptance.

they complied with

Indicates adherence to a rule or requirement.

FAQs

What does "they consented to" mean?

The phrase "they consented to" means that a group of people gave their explicit agreement or permission for something to happen, often after being informed about the details and potential consequences.

What can I say instead of "they consented to"?

You can use alternatives like "they agreed to", "they gave their consent for", or "they permitted" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "they consented to"?

It is appropriate to use "they consented to" when individuals have formally agreed to something, especially when there are legal, ethical, or significant personal implications involved. For less formal agreements, phrases like "they agreed" may suffice.

Is there a difference between "they consented to" and "they agreed to"?

While both phrases indicate agreement, "they consented to" often implies a more formal or informed agreement, particularly in situations involving legal or ethical considerations. "They agreed to" is a more general term for reaching a mutual understanding.