a large majority of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a large majority of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large number of a specific group of people or things, usually with at least two-thirds of the group or more. For example: "A large majority of voters in the district supported the new bill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The federation represents a large majority of Lutherans worldwide.

The New York Times

A large majority of officers never use their weapons.

The New York Times

A large majority of Icelandic voters want a new currency.

The Economist

A large majority of congressional Democrats might agree.

The Economist

A large majority of South Africans are black and poor.

The New York Times

Magyars form a large majority of the population.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A large majority of families pay this rate.

Independent

Still, a large majority of the nation's farmland remains parched.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a large majority of", ensure that the context provides a clear reference point for the group being discussed. For example, specify "a large majority of voters" or "a large majority of survey respondents".

Common error

Avoid using "a large majority of" without clearly specifying the group you are referring to. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations. Provide a specific noun or descriptor immediately following the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large majority of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier. It modifies a noun to indicate that a substantial portion of that noun is being referred to. Ludwig confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a large majority of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote a significant portion of a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. The analysis reveals that while alternatives like "most of" or "the majority of" exist, "a large majority of" offers a nuanced way to emphasize the substantial size of the group being discussed. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the group in question to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the majority of

Slightly more formal, implying a clear numerical superiority.

most of

More concise and direct, lacking the emphasis on 'large' but conveying a similar sense of prevalence.

almost all of

Indicates a near-total quantity, stronger than a large majority but with a hint of not being fully complete.

a significant portion of

Emphasizes the importance or size of the part being considered, rather than just the numerical dominance.

a substantial number of

Highlights the quantity, suggesting it's more than just a simple majority.

a good percentage of

Less formal and more general, suitable for less precise contexts.

the bulk of

Focuses on the mass or volume, suitable when referring to tangible things or resources.

over half of

A more literal and quantitative way to express a majority, though less emphatic.

a vast number of

Emphasizes the sheer quantity, implying a very large count.

the greater part of

A more literary and less common way to express a majority.

FAQs

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

Use "a large majority of" to indicate that more than half, and usually a significant portion, of a group shares a characteristic or opinion. For example: "A large majority of students supported the proposal".

What's a good alternative to "a large majority of"?

Alternatives include "most of", "the majority of", or "a significant portion of", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

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

Both are grammatically correct, but "a large majority of" is more common and generally preferred. "The large majority of" implies a specific, previously defined majority, while "a large majority of" refers to a general observation.

What does "a large majority of" actually mean in percentage terms?

"A large majority of" typically implies significantly more than 50%, often understood to be at least 70% or more. The exact percentage can vary depending on the context and the speaker's intention.