to build consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to build consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of reaching an agreement or shared understanding among a group of people. Example: "The team held several meetings to build consensus on the project's direction before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He likes to build consensus.

The New York Times

I think of what it means to build consensus.

The New York Times

It's about trying to build consensus, but not allow complacency.

The Guardian

They tried to build consensus within their party.

The New York Times

At times, he could seem a loose cannon, failing to build consensus before pushing ahead.

The New York Times

Fourth, there is a desperate need to build consensus on the need for a living wage.

The Guardian

And by all accounts Mr. Miller worked doggedly to build consensus.

The New York Times

At the same time, they emphasize the need to build consensus in OPEC.

The New York Times

The administration has sought to build consensus among crucial allies to reach this point.

The New York Times

I care for the entire community, and my desire is to build consensus on our diversity.

The New York Times

I try to build consensus around what's good for the league".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to build consensus", clearly define the group whose agreement you're trying to achieve and the specific issue at hand. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Be mindful of situations where seeking absolute consensus can hinder progress. Recognize when a majority decision is sufficient to move forward effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to build consensus" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a verbal used to express the purpose or aim of an action. Ludwig confirms that it is used to describe the effort of achieving common ground among a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to build consensus" is a commonly used and grammatically sound infinitive phrase that signifies the process of achieving agreement among a group. Ludwig's analysis indicates its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. The phrase functions to describe collaborative efforts aimed at reaching a shared understanding, and while alternatives like "to achieve agreement" exist, "to build consensus" emphasizes the dynamic and proactive nature of the process. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, awareness of contexts where consensus-building can be less critical can help to maintain efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to achieve agreement

Focuses on the outcome of the process, emphasizing the attainment of agreement.

to foster accord

Emphasizes creating a state of harmony and agreement.

to forge unity

Highlights the act of creating a unified group or opinion.

to cultivate understanding

Focuses on developing mutual comprehension among parties.

to develop common ground

Emphasizes finding shared interests or beliefs.

to seek common understanding

Highlights the active pursuit of shared comprehension.

to promote accord

Focuses on the act of encouraging agreement.

to facilitate agreement

Emphasizes making it easier for parties to agree.

to negotiate agreement

Highlights the process of bargaining to reach an accord.

to reconcile differences

Focuses on resolving disagreements to reach a harmonious state.

FAQs

How can I use "to build consensus" in a sentence?

You can use "to build consensus" to describe efforts aimed at achieving agreement, for example: "The leader organized a series of meetings "to build consensus" on the new strategy".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to build consensus"?

Alternatives include "to achieve agreement", "to foster accord", or "to forge unity", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to build consensus"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the process of creating agreement and shared understanding among a group, especially when diverse opinions are involved.

What's the difference between "to build consensus" and "to reach a decision"?

"To build consensus" emphasizes the collaborative process of achieving agreement, while "to reach a decision" simply focuses on arriving at an outcome, regardless of whether everyone agrees.