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Prepositions with nouns

By consensus vs. of consensus

By consensus is the standard expression for making a decision through general agreement. Of consensus usually appears inside a larger noun phrase, not as an alternative to by consensus.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use by consensus when a group reaches a decision through shared agreement. Of consensus is uncommon as a standalone phrase, but consensus of + group can describe who shares the agreement.

The committee approved the proposal by consensus.
The policy was adopted by consensus after two meetings.
There is a broad consensus of experts on the issue.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
by consensus

Making a decision through agreement

Use by consensus to describe a decision reached with general agreement rather than a formal vote.

The board acted by consensus.
The changes were accepted by consensus at the meeting.
2
consensus on + topic

Showing agreement about a subject

Use consensus on to name the issue people agree about.

There is growing consensus on climate policy.
The team reached consensus on the budget.
3
consensus among + group

Identifying the people who agree

Use among to show which group shares the opinion.

There is little consensus among voters.
A strong consensus among researchers has emerged.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
by consensus
The members selected a chair by consensus.
A decision was reached through general agreement.
of consensus
The phrase of consensus is not normally used alone after a verb.
Usually nonstandard unless consensus is part of a larger noun phrase.
consensus of + group
A consensus of doctors supported the recommendation.
Shows which people share the agreement.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of consensus as a decision phrase

English normally uses by consensus for decisions.

✕ The plan was approved of consensus. ✓ The plan was approved by consensus.

Missing a complement after consensus

Consensus often needs on or among to clarify the meaning.

✓ There is consensus on the proposal.

Confusing consensus with unanimous

Consensus means broad agreement, not necessarily complete agreement.

✓ The committee reached consensus after discussion.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The proposal was accepted ___ consensus.
2. There is growing consensus ___ the need for reform.
3. A consensus ___ scientists supported the findings.

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Frequently asked questions

Is by consensus formal English?

Yes. It is common in meetings, reports, and official decisions.

Can I say of consensus by itself?

Usually no. English normally uses consensus in larger structures such as consensus of experts.

What preposition follows consensus for topics?

On is the most common choice for topics, as in consensus on education policy.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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