a greater population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a greater population" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the size of one population to another, indicating that one is larger than the other. Example: "The city has a greater population than the surrounding towns, making it a hub for economic activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

And its wider city regions have a greater population than London, contributing more than £200bn a year to the British economy.

The Guardian

Teams in big cities have always had a natural advantage, because they have a greater population from which to draw people to games and because their local television and radio broadcasting rights are more valuable.

The New York Times - Sports

In the last decade, Queens has recorded a greater population growth than any other borough, bulging from 1,951,600 to 2,229,400 people, according to the most recent census count.

The New York Times

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the state experienced a greater population growth than the national average, particularly in the south-central and western regions; the growth was largely due to in-migration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"To others it may be a subject of merriment that the commissioners have provided space for a greater population than is collected at any spot on this side of China".

The New York Times

I also live in Astoria, Queens, which, while eschewed by many in favor of the excitement of Manhattan, helps me to survive and thrive in NYC.... Diva, New York City Manhattan has a greater population than all of New Hampshire?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It was a church built thinking that this could be a great population center, but it never achieved that," architect Carlos Navarretes said.

The Guardian

The biotopes in Antalya city of Turkey, which has faced to a great population pressure due to tourism developments and immigration in the last two decades, were investigated in this study.

Journal of Environmental Management

As you would know, the musicians are a great population to work with".

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Considering there is a great population of them in the northern United States as well, winter can get extremely harsh.

WikiHow

The Anasazi had, by some estimates, a peak population of 250,000 -- a much greater population density than that which exists on the Colorado Plateau today.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing population sizes, ensure you provide context by specifying the groups or regions being compared to clarify which group has "a greater population".

Common error

Avoid using "a greater population" without specifying what it is being compared to. Saying "the region has a greater population" is incomplete without indicating what it is greater than.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a greater population" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It directly quantifies and compares the size of population groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a greater population" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term for comparing the sizes of different population groups. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage across diverse sources. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences. Remember to provide a clear comparison reference when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "a larger population" or "an increased population", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a larger population

Emphasizes size difference without necessarily implying growth or change.

a bigger population

Similar to 'larger' but more informal in tone.

an increased population

Highlights the fact that the population has grown or expanded.

an expanding population

Similar to "an increased population", focusing on growth over time.

a more substantial population

Indicates that the population is considerable in size or significance.

a more populous area

Shifts focus from the population itself to the area it inhabits.

a more numerous population

More formal and less common synonym for 'larger population'.

a denser population

Focuses on population density rather than total number.

a swelling population

Suggests a rapidly growing population, often implying potential strain on resources.

a burgeoning population

Similar to 'swelling' but with a slightly more positive connotation of growth and development.

FAQs

How can I use "a greater population" in a sentence?

Use "a greater population" when comparing the sizes of two or more groups. For example, "The city has "a greater population" than the surrounding rural areas".

What's the difference between "a greater population" and "a larger population"?

The phrases "a greater population" and "a larger population" are largely interchangeable. "Greater" emphasizes the degree or extent of the population size, while "larger" simply indicates a bigger size. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

Is it correct to say "a greater population" or should I use "a bigger population"?

Both "a greater population" and "a bigger population" are grammatically correct, but "greater" is generally considered more formal than "bigger". Use "greater" in professional or academic writing, and "bigger" in informal contexts.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a greater population"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives such as "a larger population", "an increased population", or "a more populous area".