we reached a consensus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we reached a consensus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a group has come to a mutual agreement or decision after discussion. Example: "After several hours of debate, we reached a consensus on the best approach to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

We reached a consensus among the five of us, that June 4th was a historic event.

The New York Times

Ultimately, we reached a consensus and set off on a new direction that led to a successful project.

The New York Times

In a written statement, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said, "The member nations of the O.A.S. showed flexibility and openness today, and as a result we reached a consensus that focuses on the future instead of the past".

The New York Times

Obviously there are exceptions based on personal taste, but by and large, we reached a consensus that mega-spicy foods were not optimal for alcohol-addled stomachs.

Huffington Post

We reached a consensus about the relative importance of all but two of the outcomes.

BMC Health Services Research

Scores were conducted in duplicate, and we reached a consensus for any disagreements.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Can we reach a consensus?

The New Yorker

This is the way we reach a consensus, and the way we move onwards.

The Guardian

Could we reach a consensus on a set of common standards that would be plausibly enforceable?

Harvard Business Review

That's wrong, and the sooner we reach a consensus on this point the better.

The New York Times

While there are plenty of entities that could be making these calls, how do we reach a consensus on who should be doing it?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we reached a consensus" to clearly indicate that a group has come to a mutual agreement after discussion. It's particularly effective in formal settings or when emphasizing the collaborative nature of a decision.

Common error

Avoid using "we reached a consensus" if the decision was actually made by a single person or a small subset of the group. Ensure that all relevant parties genuinely agreed to the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we reached a consensus" functions as a statement indicating that a group has achieved a mutual agreement or shared understanding. This aligns with Ludwig AI analysis, confirming its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we reached a consensus" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that a group has come to a mutual agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted across various contexts, especially in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "we came to an agreement" and "we found common ground" exist, this phrase offers a clear and professional way to indicate shared understanding and collaborative decision-making. Remember to reserve its use for situations where genuine agreement is achieved to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we came to an agreement

Replaces "reached a consensus" with "came to an agreement", focusing on the act of agreeing rather than the consensus itself.

we were in agreement

Changes the verb from "reached" to "were", emphasizing a state of agreement.

we were of one mind

Uses a more metaphorical expression to indicate complete agreement.

we saw eye to eye

Employs an idiomatic expression to convey agreement.

we were unanimous

Indicates complete agreement with no dissenting opinions.

we found common ground

Focuses on discovering shared beliefs or opinions.

we settled on

Suggests a decision was made after considering multiple options.

we all concurred

Uses a more formal verb "concurred" to indicate agreement.

we were aligned

Emphasizes being in agreement or cooperation.

we achieved accord

Uses a more formal term "accord" to indicate a state of agreement.

FAQs

What does "we reached a consensus" mean?

The phrase "we reached a consensus" means that a group of people have come to a mutual agreement or decision after a period of discussion and consideration. It implies that everyone involved has agreed on a particular course of action or point of view.

What can I say instead of "we reached a consensus"?

You can use alternatives like "we came to an agreement", "we were in agreement", or "we found common ground" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we reached a consensus" in formal writing?

Yes, "we reached a consensus" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly and professionally conveys that a group has come to a mutual agreement, suitable for reports, articles, and other formal documents.

Can "we reached a consensus" be used if not everyone fully agrees?

Ideally, "we reached a consensus" should be used when all parties genuinely agree. If there are still some reservations but a majority agreement exists, it's more accurate to say "we reached a general agreement" or "we reached a consensus with some reservations".