a clear majority of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear majority of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the proportion of a group that holds a particular opinion or makes a specific choice, indicating that the majority is not just a simple majority but a significant one. Example: "In the recent vote, a clear majority of participants favored the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, a clear majority of Remain supporters concur.

The Guardian

A clear majority of voters wanted to keep Mr. James in office until 2006.

The New York Times

But a clear majority of the S.C.L.C. board felt that King was becoming too outspoken.

The New Yorker

A clear majority of people now expect the socialists to win next year's election.

The Guardian

A clear majority of larger providers, whether for profit or not, struggle to achieve consistency.

The Guardian

There is no single interest group that has a clear majority of American support.

The New Yorker

And a clear majority of voters has endorsed the leadership change.

The Guardian

A clear majority of female voters (62%, up from 54% in May) voted for him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A clear majority of responses to the public consultation favoured changing the law..

The Guardian

A clear majority of Ireland's voters have said no to the Lisbon treaty.

The Guardian - Opinion

No poll has yet delivered a clear majority of Catalans for independence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear majority of", ensure the context provides sufficient information about the total group size. This helps readers understand the significance of the majority. For example, "A clear majority of the 100 surveyed voters...".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a clear majority of" individuals have identical reasons for their views. Acknowledge that diverse motivations and nuances can exist within any majority group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear majority of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, specifying that a significantly large portion of a group is being referred to. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear majority of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a significant proportion within a group. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's suitable for a range of contexts, including news reporting, scientific discussions, and business communications. While "a simple majority" indicates just over 50%, "a clear majority of" suggests a noticeably larger proportion, emphasizing consensus. Alternatives include the vast majority of and a significant number of. When using the phrase, always make sure the context gives information about the overall group, and also do not assume that all in this proportion have the same viewpoint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the vast majority of

Indicates an overwhelming majority, stronger than a simple 'clear' majority.

an overwhelming number of

Focuses on the large quantity, suggesting almost everyone is included.

a significant number of

Emphasizes the quantity is notably large rather than explicitly focusing on it being a majority.

a substantial portion of

Highlights that a considerable part of the whole is being referred to.

a large segment of

Highlights a sizable division or group within a larger whole.

most of

A simpler way to express a majority, lacking the emphasis of 'clear'.

the bulk of

Focuses on the main mass or largest part of something.

the greater part of

A more formal way of saying 'most', indicating more than half.

a commanding percentage of

Highlights the notable and authoritative degree that has been achieved.

a dominant fraction of

Emphasizes the controlling or leading portion of a group.

FAQs

How do I use "a clear majority of" in a sentence?

Use "a clear majority of" to indicate that more than half of a group definitively agrees or supports something. For example, "A clear majority of the board members voted in favor of the proposal".

What can I say instead of "a clear majority of"?

You can use alternatives like "the vast majority of", "a significant number of", or "a substantial portion of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "a clear majority of" imply?

The phrase "a clear majority of" implies that the group in agreement is not just slightly over half, but noticeably and convincingly so. This suggests a strong consensus or dominant viewpoint.

Is there a difference between "a simple majority" and "a clear majority of"?

Yes. "A simple majority" means just over 50%, whereas "a clear majority of" implies a significantly larger proportion, indicating a more decisive level of agreement or support.