trying to build consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to build consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to reach an agreement or common understanding among a group of people. Example: "In our meetings, we are always trying to build consensus to ensure that everyone's opinions are considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

"We're not necessarily trying to build consensus with what we've written," Dunn concludes.

The Guardian

"In general, that has involved trying to build consensus in various areas and trying to identify the best path forward.

The New York Times

But his allies say Mr. Rumsfeld is meticulously gathering information because he is trying to build consensus.

The New York Times

These lessons are useful for anyone trying to build consensus to address broad societal challenges among multiple stakeholders with both common and divergent interests.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I think it's more in terms of leadership style: trying to build consensus and trying to get people all rolling in the same direction," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

They tried to build consensus within their party.

The New York Times

We'll try to build consensus," he said.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Fellow members of the Blue Ribbon Commission and others who have dealt with her in an academic context said she frequently tried to build consensus among colleagues on technical issues.

The New York Times - Science

Ms. Rice will try to build consensus for such a plan with Arab countries, which could then exert influence over Hamas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "trying to build consensus", actively listen to all perspectives to foster a sense of inclusion and shared ownership of the final decision.

Common error

Avoid "trying to build consensus" at the expense of core principles. While compromise is often necessary, ensure that the final agreement doesn't dilute essential values or objectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to build consensus" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an ongoing effort. It describes the action of attempting to reach a mutual agreement or understanding within a group. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying to build consensus" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the action of seeking agreement. Ludwig AI provides ample examples from reputable sources demonstrating its common usage across various contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. When using the phrase, remember to actively listen to all perspectives and avoid compromising core principles for the sake of agreement. Consider alternatives like "attempting to reach an agreement" or "seeking to find common ground" to fine-tune your message. Be mindful of situations where consensus may not be necessary or feasible, and decisive action is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to reach an agreement

Focuses on the effort to achieve a formal agreement.

seeking to find common ground

Emphasizes the search for shared interests or beliefs.

working to foster unanimity

Highlights the aim of achieving complete agreement from everyone involved.

endeavoring to forge a consensus

Implies a more proactive and creative effort in creating agreement.

aiming to establish accord

Focuses on establishing a state of harmony and agreement.

striving for mutual understanding

Highlights the importance of empathetic communication in achieving agreement.

pursuing a collaborative solution

Emphasizes the joint effort involved in finding a resolution.

negotiating towards a compromise

Focuses on the bargaining aspect of reaching an agreement.

facilitating collective decision-making

Highlights the process of enabling a group to make decisions together.

promoting a shared vision

Emphasizes the creation and promotion of a common objective.

FAQs

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

Use "trying to build consensus" to describe efforts to reach an agreement or common understanding within a group. For example: "The leader is "trying to build consensus" among the team members before making a final decision."

What are some alternatives to "trying to build consensus"?

You can use alternatives such as "attempting to reach an agreement", "seeking to find common ground", or "working to foster unanimity", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to be "trying to build consensus"?

While building consensus is often beneficial, it may not always be necessary or feasible, especially in situations requiring swift decisions or when fundamental disagreements exist. Sometimes, strong leadership and decisive action are more appropriate.

What's the difference between "trying to build consensus" and "seeking compromise"?

"Trying to build consensus" emphasizes finding common ground and reaching a mutually agreeable solution, whereas "seeking compromise" implies a willingness to make concessions and meet halfway, even if complete agreement isn't achieved.