There is no consensus regarding
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this to sound objective and intellectual when describing a topic that people are still arguing about.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when a group of people cannot reach a single agreement.
- A sophisticated way to describe a heated or ongoing debate.
- Perfect for academic, professional, or neutral reporting contexts.
Meaning
This phrase is a fancy way of saying that people simply cannot agree on a specific topic. It suggests that experts or a group of people have many different opinions and no single answer is accepted by everyone yet.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting about remote work
There is no consensus regarding the mandatory return to the office.
There is no agreement on whether everyone must return to the office.
Discussing a movie with friends
There is no consensus regarding whether the sequel was actually good.
People can't agree if the second movie was any good.
Writing a university essay
There is no consensus regarding the primary cause of the economic shift.
Experts don't agree on why the economy changed.
Cultural Background
This phrase is deeply rooted in the Western academic tradition of 'discourse,' where acknowledging multiple viewpoints is considered a sign of high intelligence. It became a staple in 20th-century journalism to maintain the appearance of 'unbiased' reporting during political or scientific debates.
The 'Whether' Trick
If you are struggling to follow 'regarding' with a noun, use 'whether' to describe the choice. 'There is no consensus regarding whether we should go.'
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every small disagreement, you will sound like a robot or a politician trying to hide something. Save it for the big stuff!
In 15 Seconds
- Used when a group of people cannot reach a single agreement.
- A sophisticated way to describe a heated or ongoing debate.
- Perfect for academic, professional, or neutral reporting contexts.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as the ultimate 'agree to disagree' on a massive scale. When you say there is no consensus regarding something, you are pointing out a lack of harmony. It means the jury is still out. No one has won the argument yet. It is the perfect shield when you do not want to take a side. It shows you know the topic is complicated.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to introduce a controversial or debated topic. Follow it with a noun or a 'whether' clause. For example, there is no consensus regarding the best pizza topping. It sounds very smart and objective. It moves the focus from your opinion to the general state of the world. Use it when you want to sound like a neutral observer.
When To Use It
Use this in a meeting when colleagues are fighting over a strategy. It works beautifully in academic writing or serious journalism. You can even use it at dinner to sound sophisticated. It is great for avoiding a direct answer to a tricky question. If someone asks who the best singer is, use this to stay safe. It keeps the conversation intellectual rather than emotional.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for simple, factual things. If you say there is no consensus regarding if 2+2=4, people will look at you strangely. Avoid it in very casual, high-energy settings. Do not say it to a toddler who is crying for a cookie. It is too heavy for lighthearted banter with close friends. If you use it while drunk at a bar, you might sound a bit pretentious.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, especially in the UK and US, we value 'objective' reporting. This phrase comes from scientific and legal traditions. It reflects a culture that likes to categorize disagreement as a formal state. It is a very 'polite' way to acknowledge a massive argument. It allows people to remain civil while admitting they are totally divided. It is the hallmark of a diplomat.
Common Variations
You might hear people say opinion is divided on or the jury is still out. Some might say there is a lack of agreement concerning. However, no consensus is the gold standard for C2-level English. It feels more authoritative and final. It suggests you have looked at all the evidence and found nothing but chaos.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register C2 expression. It is most effective in writing or formal presentations. Avoid using it in intimate or highly emotional personal settings unless you are aiming for a specific rhetorical effect.
The 'Whether' Trick
If you are struggling to follow 'regarding' with a noun, use 'whether' to describe the choice. 'There is no consensus regarding whether we should go.'
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every small disagreement, you will sound like a robot or a politician trying to hide something. Save it for the big stuff!
The Diplomat's Shield
In British English, this is often used to politely say 'everyone is fighting and I'm staying out of it.' It's a very useful social safety net.
Examples
6There is no consensus regarding the mandatory return to the office.
There is no agreement on whether everyone must return to the office.
Used to summarize a divided room without blaming anyone.
There is no consensus regarding whether the sequel was actually good.
People can't agree if the second movie was any good.
Adds a touch of mock-seriousness to a casual debate.
There is no consensus regarding the primary cause of the economic shift.
Experts don't agree on why the economy changed.
Standard high-level academic tone.
There is no consensus regarding who keeps stealing my yogurt from the fridge.
Nobody knows (or will admit) who is eating my food.
Uses formal language for a trivial, annoying situation for comedic effect.
So far, there is no consensus regarding where we should eat tonight.
We still haven't picked a restaurant because everyone wants something different.
Slightly wordy for a text, but clear and polite.
There is no consensus regarding how to handle Grandpa's old house.
The family is split on what to do with the house.
Acknowledges the difficulty of the situation without taking sides.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the formal observation.
There is no consensus ___ the long-term effects of the new policy.
The preposition `regarding` (or `concerning`) is the standard partner for this phrase.
Identify the most appropriate context for this phrase.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'There is no consensus regarding...'?
The phrase is formal and designed to describe a state of collective disagreement.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'No Consensus'
We can't agree.
We're split on it.
People have different views.
Opinion is divided.
Official state of disagreement.
There is no consensus regarding...
When to use 'No Consensus'
Boardroom
Regarding the budget.
Scientific Journal
Regarding the data.
Political News
Regarding the vote.
Academic Essay
Regarding the theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means a general agreement among a group of people. If everyone wants pizza, you have a consensus.
No, you can use it for politics, business, or even pop culture debates. It just needs to be a situation where people disagree.
Yes, there is no consensus about is perfectly fine, though regarding sounds slightly more professional.
Always use no consensus. Saying not a consensus sounds unnatural in this specific expression.
Usually, yes. Unless you are being funny or texting a colleague about work, stick to we can't agree for texts.
You could say the issue remains a matter of debate or opinions are polarized.
Not necessarily. It just means they don't agree. They could be having a very polite, calm disagreement.
Yes, there was no consensus regarding the decision works perfectly for historical contexts.
It's pronounced /kənˈsensəs/. Think of 'con-SEN-sus' with the stress on the middle syllable.
Using it for a personal opinion. Don't say there is no consensus regarding my dinner. It must involve a group of people.
Related Phrases
The jury is still out
A decision or agreement has not been reached yet.
A bone of contention
A specific subject that people keep arguing about.
Opinion is divided
People have very different and often opposing views.
At loggerheads
In strong or violent disagreement (more informal/intense).
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