a great majority

USAGE SUMMARY

'a great majority' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a large group of people or things. For example, "A great majority of people in this town voted to pass the new law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Major donors such as PEPFAR will likely continue to channel a great majority of their funding to NGOs.

Human Resources for Health

Finally, a great majority of the population was illiterate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A great majority of males experience orgasm in sleep.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, a great majority of his subjects never smoked.

The New York Times - Science

Nash is among a great majority of N.B.A. players who swear by their pregame nap.

The New York Times - Sports

A great majority had enrolled in hospice programs and died at home.

The New York Times

In fact, a great majority of older Americans don't relocate, and most live quite near family.

The New York Times

A great majority of the population are concerned with the direction this country is headed.

The New York Times

A great majority of people who have lost their jobs simply want to find new ones.

The New York Times

I work very hard in parliament to ask more questions than a great majority of MPs.

The Guardian

And a great majority of those left behind do pay taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great majority", ensure that the context provides a clear reference for what the majority is comprised of. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a great majority" when the actual percentage is only slightly above 50%. This exaggerates the situation and can undermine your credibility. Instead, opt for more precise language like "a slight majority" or provide specific numbers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great majority" functions as a determiner followed by a noun. It specifies a large portion of a group, indicating quantity or prevalence. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

59%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a great majority" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a large proportion of a group. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, highlighting its function to refer to a large segment. This phrase sees frequent usage in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, lending it a neutral to slightly formal tone. Related phrases such as "the majority" or "a large proportion" offer similar meanings, with slight variations in emphasis. When employing this phrase, remember to clearly define the group to which the majority belongs and avoid exaggerating its size. By being mindful of these points, you can use "a great majority" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the majority

A more concise and common way to express the same concept.

a large proportion

Emphasizes the numerical aspect, focusing on the quantity or percentage.

a substantial portion

Similar to "a large proportion" but can also apply to non-countable items.

a significant number

Highlights the importance or impact of the quantity.

a considerable segment

Highlights that a significant part is referred to.

most people

Simplifies the phrase, making it more direct and informal.

an overwhelming number

Indicates a very large and impactful quantity.

virtually all

Indicates almost complete inclusion.

the bulk

Focuses on the main part or largest share of something.

a dominant fraction

Emphasizes the prevailing portion, more formal.

FAQs

What does "a great majority" mean?

The phrase "a great majority" signifies that a significantly large portion or number of people or things within a group is being referred to. It implies that more than half, and often a substantially larger percentage, are included.

How can I use "a great majority" in a sentence?

You can use "a great majority" to describe situations where most of a group shares a characteristic or opinion. For example, "A great majority of students supported the proposal."

What are some alternatives to saying "a great majority"?

You can use alternatives like "most people", "the majority", or "a large proportion" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "a great majority" and "a majority"?

"A great majority" implies a larger and more significant proportion than simply "a majority". While "a majority" indicates more than half, "a great majority" suggests a much larger percentage, often closer to three-quarters or more.