a minority

USAGE SUMMARY

"a minority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a portion of a larger group of people, animals, or things, especially a portion that is smaller than the rest. For example: "A minority of the students in the class chose to participate in the school play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm a minority within a minority.

Independent

But they're a minority.

The New York Times

It's not a minority.

Independent

A minority report.

The New Yorker

In a minority, perhaps.

The Economist

A minority within a minority.

The Guardian

"LRA is actually a minority".

The Guardian

(It is a minority stake).

The New York Times

But they are a minority.

The New York Times

A minority would like independence.

The New York Times

I hope it's a minority".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minority", ensure the context clearly identifies the larger group it is part of. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a minority" when the portion is actually close to half or more than half of the entire group. Use terms like "majority" or "almost half" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minority" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. As the examples show, it designates a smaller subset within a larger group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minority" correctly identifies a smaller group within a larger one, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in news, academic, and business contexts. To enhance clarity, always specify the larger group to which "a minority" belongs. Remember to consider the scale; if the portion approaches half, using alternative terms is advisable. The phrase maintains a neutral tone applicable across diverse settings, and can be replaced with phrases like "smaller portion" or "select few" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smaller portion

Replaces "minority" with a more general term for a smaller part.

a small number

Focuses on the quantity being small rather than the group.

a reduced group

Highlights the diminished size of the group.

a select few

Emphasizes the exclusivity or distinction of the smaller group.

a handful

Informal term indicating a very small quantity.

a fraction

Implies that it is a small part of a bigger whole.

a scattering

Suggests a sparse distribution of items or people.

a limited quantity

Highlights the finite and restricted amount.

an insignificant section

Stresses the small size and lack of importance.

a non-dominant part

Focuses on the lack of power or influence due to its size.

FAQs

How can I use "a minority" in a sentence?

Use "a minority" to indicate a smaller group within a larger population or set. For example, "a minority of students chose the online option".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a minority"?

Consider using alternatives like "smaller portion", "small number", or "select few" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a minority" or "minority"?

Using "a minority" emphasizes that you are referring to a subset of a larger group. "Minority" without the article "a" often refers to a general group or population.

What is the difference between "a minority" and "the minority"?

"A minority" refers to one of possibly multiple smaller groups. "The minority" refers to a specific, identified smaller group within a larger context.