critical consensus

Meaning

The general agreement or collective opinion among professional critics, particularly regarding the quality of a film, book, play, or exhibition. It represents the shared viewpoint of experts rather than the general public.

Examples

• Despite poor box office sales, the critical consensus was overwhelmingly positive.

  Despite poor box office sales, the critical consensus was overwhelmingly positive.

• The critical consensus is that her debut novel represents a masterpiece of modern fiction.

  The critical consensus is that her debut novel represents a masterpiece of modern fiction.

• It is rare for a film to achieve a perfect score, but the critical consensus was unanimous.

  It is rare for a film to achieve a perfect score, but the critical consensus was unanimous.

• While audiences loved the blockbuster, the critical consensus was far less favorable.

  While audiences loved the blockbuster, the critical consensus was far less favorable.

• The director's new style split the critical consensus, leading to fierce debates.

  The director's new style split the critical consensus, leading to fierce debates.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The critical consensus agreement was that the movie failed.

  ✓ The critical consensus was that the movie failed.

  'Consensus' already means general agreement, so adding 'agreement' is redundant.

• ✗ The critics consensus praised the lead actor's performance.

  ✓ The critical consensus praised the lead actor's performance.

  Use the adjective form 'critical' rather than the noun 'critics' to modify 'consensus' in this collocated phrase.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Although the public enjoyed the sequel, the ___ was that it lacked the original's depth.

  💡 The collective opinion of professional reviewers.

  Show answer

  critical consensus

• The game received high scores across all platforms, reflecting a strong ___.

  💡 General agreement among critics.

  Show answer

  critical consensus