a privileged minority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a privileged minority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small group of people who have advantages or benefits that are not available to the larger population. Example: "In many societies, a privileged minority often holds the majority of wealth and power, leading to significant social disparities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"We've been a privileged minority in how we've been able to be a part of American society," said Mr. Dash.

The New York Times

People also like to feel that they know what's correct and what isn't, and thus belong to a privileged minority.

The New Yorker

The almost absence of male nurses seems universal, except as a privileged minority occupying positions within nursing specialties ('islands of masculinity').

International Journal of Nursing Studies

The problem is that only a privileged minority of school- and college-leavers can pass the army's entrance exams for officer training.

The Economist

Beyond these baseless claims, it is to be expected that EuroVegas is only beneficial for a privileged minority and will provoke irreversible environmental damage in the region".

Independent

An awful lot of people on the streets are those who cannot lose their jobs, which makes them a privileged minority in a nasty recession, and they are protesting to defend perks and pay that others can only dream of.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Such moments of reprieve in a car or a café are restricted to a small, privileged minority.

The New Yorker

In fact, it was all for our benefit, a 20,000 privileged minority, including most critics, and like evangelists promising a reward hereafter, we must all reveal our beatific vision to the unconverted.

The Guardian

Is it managed in the interests of the nation or for a tiny, privileged minority?

The Guardian - Opinion

The picture that the data painted was of two institutions that are wholly unrepresentative of the country at large and taking the overwhelming majority of their students from a small, privileged minority in the south of England.

The Guardian - Opinion

With the exception of a tiny privileged minority, women's social role is largely restricted to household chores.

BMC Women's Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a privileged minority", be specific about the type of privilege you are referring to (e.g. economic, social, educational).

Common error

Avoid using "a privileged minority" as a blanket term without specifying the context or basis of the privilege. This can lead to misinterpretations and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a privileged minority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it correctly describes a small group benefiting from advantages unavailable to others. For example, "The problem is that only a privileged minority of school- and college-leavers can pass the army's entrance exams for officer training."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a privileged minority" is a noun phrase used to describe a small group of people who enjoy advantages that are not available to the larger population. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, remember to be specific about the nature of the privilege and avoid overgeneralization. While the phrase itself is neutral, it often appears in discussions of social inequality. Alternatives include "an elite few" or "a select group". According to Ludwig, the phrase appears often in authoritative sources, like The New York Times, The Guardian and The Economist, indicating it is an adequate term to use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an elite few

Emphasizes exclusivity and high status.

a select group

Highlights the chosen nature of the group.

a favored few

Focuses on the advantages received.

a wealthy elite

Specifically points out economic privilege.

the upper crust

Informal term for the highest social class.

the haves

Simple contrast to those who lack resources.

a fortunate fraction

Highlights the luck or good fortune involved.

a small coterie

Emphasizes the intimate, exclusive nature of the group.

a dominant class

Focuses on the power and influence of the group.

a ruling clique

Highlights the group's control and potentially negative connotations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a privileged minority" to describe a small group of people who have advantages not generally available to others. For example, "Access to quality healthcare is often limited to "a privileged minority" in developing nations."

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

Alternatives include "an elite few", "a select group", or "a favored few", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a privileged minority" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "a privileged minority" is suitable for formal writing as long as it is used accurately and appropriately within the context.

What distinguishes "a privileged minority" from other minority groups?

"A privileged minority" refers specifically to a small group that holds advantages or power, unlike other minority groups that may face discrimination or disadvantage. The term emphasizes the advantage rather than the size of the group.