a majority of two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a majority of two" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a decision or vote that has a small margin, specifically indicating that two more votes were in favor than against. Example: "In the recent election, the proposal passed with a majority of two, highlighting the close nature of the vote."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

That would achieve a majority of two.

The Guardian

A majority of one was sufficient for acquittal, but a majority of two was necessary for conviction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the senate, where seats are allocated differently, Mr Prodi has a majority of two - 158 to 156 - with one independent.

The Guardian

If Jones maintains the lead, Herbert would be the 77th Coalition seat, giving it a majority of two in the 150-seat lower house.

The Guardian

An amendment would have to be passed by a majority of two separately elected Legislatures and then be approved by voters.

The New York Times

The weight content of aromatics in the gas oil fraction, was 75%, with a majority of two rings aromatics and the remainder consisting mostly of normal paraffins.

Fuel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

With a majority of four, Wilson would be unable to submit any major pieces of legislation to the House.

BBC

"A majority of one is still a majority," he insisted.

Independent

By a majority of eight to two, the jury ruled that the 2011 shooting was lawful.

The Guardian

By a majority of seven to two, the justices dismissed the claims brought by Nicklinson and Lamb.

The Guardian

By a majority of seven to five, the jury recommends the death penalty.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a result achieved by a narrow margin, use "a majority of two" to precisely convey the closeness of the outcome.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a majority of two" automatically implies a weak or unstable position. The actual implications depend on the specific context and the overall dynamics of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a majority of two" functions as a noun phrase. It specifies a quantity, indicating the difference between the number of votes or members in favor versus those opposed. It's used to quantify the narrowness of a win or decision, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a majority of two" accurately conveys a very narrow margin of victory or agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news reporting and encyclopedic contexts. While only a few examples are currently available, the phrase is generally used to emphasize the closeness of a decision. It's important to consider the specific context when interpreting the significance of such a small margin. While alternatives exist, using "a majority of two" provides a precise and clear indication of the outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a two-vote advantage

Specifies the exact number of votes separating the winner and loser.

two votes in favor

Directly states the difference in votes for a simplified alternative.

a narrow victory

Emphasizes the closeness of the win, focusing on the outcome rather than the specific number.

a marginal win

Highlights that the win was only just achieved.

a slim margin

Highlights the small difference between the winning and losing sides.

a minimal lead

Implies a precarious position due to the small difference.

a close vote

Indicates a vote where the outcome was determined by very few votes.

a tight race

Similar to a close vote, but often used in the context of elections or competitions.

a hair's breadth

Figurative language to illustrate how close the margin was.

a wafer-thin majority

Uses imagery to emphasize the fragility of the majority.

FAQs

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

You can use "a majority of two" to describe situations where a vote, decision, or election outcome was decided by only two votes. For instance, "The bill passed with "a majority of two", indicating a very divided opinion on the matter".

What are some alternatives to saying "a majority of two"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a narrow victory", "a slim margin", or "a two-vote advantage".

Is it always negative when something passes with "a majority of two"?

Not necessarily. While "a majority of two" suggests a very close decision, whether it's positive or negative depends on the specific situation. It can highlight the importance of each individual vote or indicate a deeply divided opinion, but it does guarantee that a decision was approved.

What does "a majority of two" mean in the context of voting?

In voting, "a majority of two" means that there were only two more votes in favor of something than against it. This indicates a very tight margin and can suggest that the issue was highly contested.