a large majority

USAGE SUMMARY

"a large majority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a significant proportion of a group, typically a majority of it. For example: "A large majority of people surveyed expressed support for the new law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A large majority falls in that category.

The New York Times

A large majority opposed the plan.

The New York Times

Well, Mubarak had a large majority, Gaddafi had a large majority.

The Guardian

In May 1988, a large majority voted to continue it.

Cornell University

"The public supports trade restrictions by a large majority.

The New York Times

A large majority (81%) lived in urban areas.

The Guardian

A large majority of them are in foster care.

The Guardian

In 2012 Senegalese voters gave you a large majority.

The Guardian

A large majority of the students supported him.

The New York Times

Every year, a large majority of product launches fail.

Harvard Business Review

A large majority of staff at our school vote Labour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a large majority", be specific about the group you are referring to for clarity. For example, "A large majority of voters supported the measure."

Common error

Avoid using "a large majority" when the actual percentage is close to 50%. This phrase implies a significantly higher proportion. If the percentage is closer to half, consider using "a slight majority" or "nearly half" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large majority" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, typically referring to a group of people or items. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct. It indicates that a considerable portion of that group is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

26%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large majority" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote a significant proportion within a group. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. To maintain clarity, specify the group to which the majority belongs. Avoid using it when proportions are near 50%, and consider alternative phrases to enhance writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the majority

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same idea.

a significant majority

This alternative emphasizes the importance or impact of the majority.

a substantial portion

This phrase focuses on the size of the part rather than the fact that it's a majority.

most people

This is a simpler way to convey that the majority of individuals are involved.

a high percentage

This alternative uses numerical terms for quantifying the majority.

an overwhelming number

Implies that the number is so big it's hard to ignore.

a great number

This phrase indicates a high quantity or count, but doesn't necessarily imply a majority.

a considerable segment

This option refers to a sizable section or group.

a dominant fraction

This refers to the predominant share, highlighting its power.

the bulk

This option means the main part or most of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a large majority" to indicate that more than half, and a significant portion, of a group agrees with something or does something. For instance, "A large majority of students supported the proposal".

What phrases can I use instead of "a large majority"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant majority", "a substantial portion", or simply "the majority" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the large majority" instead of "a large majority"?

Both can be correct, but they have slightly different implications. "A large majority" refers to one specific instance of a majority, while "the large majority" implies a more general or established majority. It depends on the context.

How is "a large majority" different from "most"?

"A large majority" suggests a more overwhelming proportion than simply "most". While "most" indicates more than half, "a large majority" implies a significantly greater proportion, closer to 70% or higher.