a major category

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major category" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant or important classification within a broader context. Example: "In the study of animal behavior, social interactions represent a major category of research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

But a major category is absent: white trash.

The New Yorker

No NC-17 rated film has ever been awarded an Oscar in a major category.

The Guardian - Film

Net interest on the debt is also a major category, accounting for about $2,300.

The New York Times

Neutrons represent a major category of radiation that consists of uncharged particles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Transport, storage and communications, which is a major category in the Office for National Statistics GDP data, has soared in recent times.

The Guardian - Business

And revenue from financial services has increased 29percentt from the same period of 2007, he added, which is "the highest percentage for a major category".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The polarizing rapper has won nearly two dozen Grammy awards in his career, but he's never taken home a major-category trophy.

Los Angeles Times

The polarizing rapper Kanye West has won nearly two dozen Grammy awards in his career, but he's never taken home a major-category trophy.

Los Angeles Times

A second major category of polluting phenomena involves violence and all associated aspects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each floor in the hotel, which opened in August, is dedicated to a different major category in the Dewey Decimal System (social sciences, literature, history, etc).

The New York Times - Travel

"Groupon Goods has evolved into a second major category that our customers clearly love.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major category", ensure that the context clearly defines the scope and criteria of the category being discussed. Providing specific examples can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a major category" as a catch-all term without clearly defined boundaries. Ensure the category has distinct characteristics that differentiate it from others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major category" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a significant classification or grouping within a larger system. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts, affirming its role in structuring information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a major category" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that serves to classify and emphasize significant groupings within a broader context. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical correctness and applicability across diverse domains—including news, science, and encyclopedias—make it a reliable choice for clear and structured communication. While semantically similar alternatives such as ""a significant category"" or ""a key category"" exist, "a major category" remains a robust and neutral option for various writing purposes. When employing this phrase, be sure to define the scope clearly and provide specific examples to enhance clarity and avoid overly broad categorizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant category

Replaces "major" with "significant", emphasizing importance.

a key category

Substitutes "major" with "key", highlighting essentialness.

a primary category

Replaces "major" with "primary", stressing fundamental nature.

an important category

Uses "important" instead of "major", focusing on the value.

a crucial category

Replaces "major" with "crucial", emphasizing decisiveness.

a principal category

Substitutes "major" with "principal", indicating leading status.

a leading category

Replaces "major" with "leading", stressing prominence.

a substantial category

Uses "substantial" instead of "major", focusing on size or amount.

a broad category

Replaces "major" with "broad", focusing on scope.

a main category

Uses "main" instead of "major", simply emphasizing centrality.

FAQs

How can I use "a major category" in a sentence?

You can use "a major category" to classify something significant within a larger group. For example, "In climate research, carbon emissions represent "a major category" of pollutants".

What are some alternatives to saying "a major category"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a significant category", "a key category", or "a primary category".

Is it better to say "major category" or "important category"?

Both "major category" and "important category" are grammatically correct, but "major category" is generally preferred when emphasizing the scope or size of the category. "Important category" focuses more on the value or significance of the category.

Can "a major category" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "a major category" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality and clarity make it versatile for various types of communication.