a minority of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minority of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small group or portion of something, especially when compared to the whole. For example, "A minority of students chose to pursue further education after graduating high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A minority of readers are reserving judgment.

The New York Times

A minority of readers applauded the article.

The New York Times

But it is a minority of diners".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A minority of Russian kids struggle.

The Guardian

A minority of institutions, 16 (41.03%).

Insights into Imaging

A minority of radiologists, 24 (61.54%).

Insights into Imaging

However, they constituted a minority of respondents.

Agricultural and Food Economics

This isn't a minority of children.

TechCrunch

A minority of defects also contain extrinsic partial dislocation loops.

Acta Materialia

In a minority of patients, a complete examination is unsuccessful.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

A minority of the study group received PA.

Prehospital Emergency Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minority of" to precisely indicate a smaller portion of a group when the contrast with the larger portion is relevant. This phrase adds a layer of specificity compared to simply saying "some".

Common error

Avoid using "a minority of" when referring to minority groups in a social or political context. The phrase is suitable for indicating a small quantity, but can be insensitive when discussing demographics or social issues. Instead, refer to "minority groups" or specific communities directly.

Linguistic Context

A minority of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, indicating that the noun phrase it modifies represents a small or lesser portion of a larger group. It is used to specify quantity, but in a relative, rather than absolute, sense. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minority of" is a versatile determiner phrase used to denote a smaller portion of a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, especially in science, news and media and formal business settings. When using "a minority of", ensure it appropriately reflects the intended proportion and consider the sensitivity of using it when referring to social groups. Alternatives like "a small number of" or "few" can offer varying levels of formality and emphasis. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "a minority of" into your writing for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of

Replaces "minority" with a more direct numerical descriptor. The effect is a less formal and more literal phrasing.

a limited number of

Highlights the restricted quantity, focusing on the constraint rather than the portion itself.

a few

Offers a briefer, more casual alternative. It lacks the precision of specifying a group relative to a larger whole.

a fraction of

Emphasizes the part-to-whole relationship mathematically, which can add a layer of precision.

a reduced number of

Focuses on the aspect of reduction or decrease in quantity.

some

Is a very general term indicating a portion, but doesn't inherently imply it's a small portion as "minority" does.

a select few

Indicates not only a small number but also implies that those included are somehow special or chosen.

an insignificant number of

Emphasizes the lack of importance or impact due to the small quantity.

a scattering of

Suggests a dispersed and sparse distribution, which adds a spatial dimension not present in "a minority of".

a sprinkling of

This is a very casual and less formal way to indicate a small amount, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How do I use "a minority of" in a sentence?

Use "a minority of" to indicate that a smaller portion of a larger group or set possesses a certain characteristic or performs a certain action. For example, "A minority of students chose to study abroad".

What's the difference between "a minority of" and "a majority of"?

"A minority of" refers to a smaller portion of a group, while "a majority of" refers to the larger, or greater, portion. These terms are opposites and used to describe relative sizes within a group.

Is it always appropriate to use "a minority of" when discussing groups of people?

While grammatically correct, using "a minority of" to describe demographic groups can sometimes be insensitive, especially in discussions about social issues. Consider whether it's more appropriate to refer directly to the group rather than emphasizing their smaller proportion.

What are some alternatives to "a minority of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a small number of", "few", or "some". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.