they reached a consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they reached a consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where a group of people has come to an agreement or shared decision after discussion. Example: "After several hours of debate, they reached a consensus on the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

They reached a consensus that must have pleased their hosts.

The Economist

McLachlan said no vote was taken at Thursday's commission meeting, but that they reached a consensus.

The Guardian - Sport

As Americans saw the damage, they reached a consensus that this unrestrained surveillance had a corrosive impact on us all.

The New York Times

Worse yet: In February 2011, after tournament officials threatened to move the French Open outside Paris, they reached a consensus to renovate and expand instead.

The New York Times

Over two days of recorded sessions, they discussed how networking infrastructure was changing, and they reached a consensus on six key points.

Forbes

Finally they reached a consensus: 'Better to nip them in the bud.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In biweekly meetings, they debate possible purchases, which they make only when they reach a consensus.

The New York Times

Eventually, it feels so old that they reach a consensus to forget about it.

The New Yorker

When they reach a consensus, the students follow Wallace's instructions to celebrate by performing a Japanese clapping ritual known as Tejime.

MIT Technology Review

By the end of the day, if they reach a consensus quickly, or sometime in the weeks ahead if they do not, they will reveal whether they support or oppose the deal.

The New York Times

Working together, they reach a consensus that although the class representative is responsible for maintaining discipline and order in the classroom, a good representative must above all be just (adel) and honest (amin), driving the point home by drawing on the well-worn but effective device of the corny joke: "Thanks be to God that we have in our class an Amin".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they reached a consensus" when you want to emphasize that a group of people arrived at an agreement after discussing different opinions or viewpoints. It implies a process of deliberation and mutual understanding.

Common error

Ensure that the subject is plural when using "they reached a consensus". A singular subject requires a different verb form, such as "he/she reached a consensus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they reached a consensus" functions as a statement indicating that a group has come to a general agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples show its application in news, science, and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they reached a consensus" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a group has come to a general agreement after discussing different viewpoints. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English, particularly when describing situations involving deliberation and mutual understanding. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While alternative phrases like "they came to an agreement" exist, "they reached a consensus" emphasizes the process of arriving at a shared understanding through discussion and compromise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they came to an agreement

Replaces "reached a consensus" with a more straightforward expression of agreement.

they achieved unanimity

Suggests a stronger level of agreement where everyone is of the same mind.

they were in accord

Uses a more formal term to indicate agreement or harmony.

they saw eye to eye

Emphasizes that the individuals shared the same viewpoint or opinion.

they found common ground

Highlights the process of finding shared beliefs or opinions, especially after disagreement.

they settled on a decision

Focuses on the resolution or final decision that was made.

they concurred

Uses a formal verb to indicate agreement.

they were of one mind

Emphasizes a complete agreement and unity of thought.

they came to terms

Suggests an agreement reached after negotiation, often involving compromise.

they struck a bargain

Highlights the act of negotiating and coming to an agreement, often with mutual concessions.

FAQs

What does "they reached a consensus" mean?

The phrase "they reached a consensus" means that a group of people, after discussion and consideration of different opinions, have come to a general agreement or shared decision.

How can I use "they reached a consensus" in a sentence?

You can use "they reached a consensus" to describe situations where a group achieves agreement, such as: "After a lengthy debate, "they reached a consensus" on the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "they reached a consensus"?

Some alternatives to "they reached a consensus" include "they came to an agreement", "they were in accord", or "they agreed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary for everyone to agree when "they reached a consensus"?

No, "they reached a consensus" doesn't necessarily mean everyone agrees completely. It implies a general agreement where most or all members support the decision, even if some have minor reservations. A consensus aims for the greatest level of agreement possible.