a plurality of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a plurality of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large, but not necessarily exact, number of items. For example, "a plurality of states have enacted legislation to protect the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The result is a plurality of pluralisms.

Johns Hopkins University

Normative pluralism is less radical it posits a plurality of bearers of value.

SEP

You need a plurality of voices.

The Guardian

It will reflect a plurality of views".

The New York Times

A plurality of women opposed Kavanaugh last month, while a plurality of men supported him.

The Washington Post

In Wisconsin Mr Edwards won a plurality of independents.

The Economist

He won a plurality of 135,000 votes.

The New York Times

"We want a plurality of property," she then said.

The Economist

We want to have a plurality of models.

The Guardian

The world remains a plurality of separate elements.

Britannica

A plurality of 49percentt supports beginning impeachment proceedings.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a plurality of", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to a number greater than one, but not necessarily a majority. Be precise when possible.

Common error

Avoid using "a plurality of" when you actually mean "a majority of". A plurality simply means more than any other single group, but not necessarily more than half of the total.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plurality of" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, indicating that there are multiple entities or items being referred to. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

33%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plurality of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the largest segment within a group, as Ludwig AI confirms. It appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to differentiate "a plurality of" from "a majority of", as plurality doesn't necessarily imply more than half. When aiming for variety, alternatives such as "a number of" or "many" can be considered. This guide provides practical insights and examples to refine your usage of "a plurality of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of

Replaces "plurality" with a more general term for multiple items.

many

A simpler and more direct substitute, suitable for informal contexts.

a multitude of

Emphasizes a large quantity or great number.

a variety of

Suggests diversity in addition to quantity.

several

Indicates more than two but not a large number.

numerous

Implies a large but indefinite quantity.

a significant portion of

Highlights that the amount is noteworthy or impactful.

a large segment of

Focuses on a considerable part of a whole.

a good deal of

Indicates a substantial amount or quantity.

a considerable quantity of

Emphasizes that the amount is substantial and worth noting.

FAQs

How do you use "a plurality of" in a sentence?

Use "a plurality of" to indicate that a group constitutes the largest segment without necessarily being more than half. For example, "a plurality of voters supported the candidate, but not a majority".

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

"A plurality of" refers to the largest group within a set, even if it's less than 50%. "A majority of", on the other hand, must be more than 50% of the total.

What can I say instead of "a plurality of"?

You can use alternatives like "a number of", "many", or "several", depending on the specific context and the degree of precision required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a plurality is" or "a plurality are"?

While "plurality" is singular, it refers to a group. Therefore, using "are" is often more appropriate, especially when emphasizing the individual members of the group. For example, "a plurality of people are in favor of the proposal".