a narrow majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow majority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a small margin separates the winning side from the losing side, often in the context of votes or decisions. Example: "The proposal was passed by a narrow majority, with just a few votes determining the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She retained a narrow majority in Congress.

The Economist

Ultimately the Conservatives won a narrow majority.

Independent

"Sadly, a narrow majority blocked the effort".

The New York Times

Men hold a narrow majority, 50.6 to 49.4percentt.

Princeton University

Either route would probably leave him with a narrow majority.

The New York Times

Most expect the Republicans to gain a narrow majority.

The Guardian

A narrow majority thinks polygamy should be a crime.

The Economist

In these June elections the socialists won a narrow majority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her allies have only a narrow majority in Congress.

The Economist

A narrow majority, such as the governor has now, can hold up from September to November.

University of California, Berkeley

A recent poll found that a narrow majority of Americans already support it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a narrow majority" when you want to emphasize that a decision or vote was won by a small margin, suggesting potential instability or strong opposition.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrow majority" when a simple majority (more than 50%) is all that's required and the margin is not particularly close. "Narrow" implies a small difference, so reserve it for situations where the outcome was almost a tie.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow majority" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, with examples showcasing its use in describing political outcomes, survey results, and legislative votes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a narrow majority" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a situation where a decision or vote is won by a small margin. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and frequent use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives like "a slight majority" or "a slim majority" can be used to convey a similar meaning. It's essential to differentiate "a narrow majority" from a simple majority, reserving the former for situations where the outcome was closely contested.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight majority

Replaces "narrow" with "slight", emphasizing the small difference in numbers.

a slim majority

Substitutes "narrow" with "slim", highlighting the thin margin of victory.

a marginal majority

Replaces "narrow" with "marginal", stressing the barely sufficient winning margin.

a close majority

Focuses on the competitiveness of the situation rather than the numerical difference.

a razor-thin majority

Emphasizes the extreme closeness of the majority, using a more vivid image.

a bare majority

Highlights that the majority is just enough to pass or win.

a fragile majority

Indicates that the majority is unstable and could easily be lost.

a paper-thin majority

Similar to "razor-thin", this phrase uses a different image to describe the minimal advantage.

a wafer-thin majority

Similar to “razor-thin”, this phrase uses a different image to describe the minimal advantage.

a precarious majority

Focuses on the uncertainty and risk associated with the small winning margin.

FAQs

How can I use "a narrow majority" in a sentence?

You can use "a narrow majority" to describe situations where the winning side barely surpasses the losing side, such as in elections or votes. For example: "The bill passed with "a narrow majority" in the Senate."

What are some alternatives to saying "a narrow majority"?

You can use alternatives like "a slight majority", "a slim majority", or "a marginal majority" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a narrow majority"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase is commonly used and widely understood. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "a narrow majority" and "a large majority"?

"A narrow majority" implies a small difference between the winning and losing sides, while "a large majority" indicates a significant difference. For example, a 51% win is "a narrow majority", whereas an 80% win is a large one.