a segment of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a segment of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a part or portion of something larger, such as a text, a group, or a process. Example: "The report includes a segment of the data collected during the survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Target a segment of potential employees.

Harvard Business Review

A segment of the Bay Bridge collapsed.

The New York Times - Science

There's a segment of people who understand investing.

The New York Times

"Boy, I'll say," a segment of America will respond.

The New York Times - Arts

Transcript An RNA molecule copied from a segment of DNA.

The New York Times - Science

They are rulers of Sarawak, a segment of Borneo.

The New Yorker

Check out a segment of this week's offerings.

Cornell University

Fire wellbeing is frequently a segment of building security.

Cornell University

Figure 20.5 shows a segment of this sorted order.

Stanford University

Or thoughts from a segment of my mind".

Columbia University

But this was not a segment of "New York Tonight".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a segment of" to refer to a specific, identifiable portion of a larger group or entity. For example, "a segment of the population" or "a segment of the market".

Common error

Avoid using "a segment of" when "a section of" is more appropriate. "Segment" often implies a more statistical or abstract division, whereas "section" suggests a physical or clearly defined part.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a segment of" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as a determiner, specifying a part or portion of something. It indicates a subset within a larger group or entity. This is supported by examples from Ludwig, which show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a segment of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a portion or subset of a larger entity. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and it's a very common phrase across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "a part of" and "a section of" exist, "a segment of" offers a specific nuance, often implying a more abstract or statistically defined grouping. Remember to use it when precision is key and avoid mistaking it for simpler terms when describing physical sections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a portion of

Replaces "segment" with "portion", suggesting a share or allotment of something.

a section of

Refers to a distinct division or area within something larger.

a part of

A more general and common alternative, indicating any piece or component of something.

a piece of

Indicates a detached or separate element of a larger entity.

a slice of

Implies a thin, often figurative, piece taken from a larger whole.

a component of

Emphasizes that the segment is a necessary part that contributes to the whole.

a fraction of

Highlights a small or incomplete part of something.

a share of

Suggests a division of something into equal or unequal parts.

a fragment of

Indicates a broken or incomplete piece.

a percentage of

Quantifies the portion as a ratio out of 100.

FAQs

How can I use "a segment of" in a sentence?

Use "a segment of" to describe a specific portion or subset of a larger group or entity. For example, "a segment of the market" or "a segment of the population".

What are some alternatives to "a segment of"?

Alternatives include "a portion of", "a part of", "a section of", or "a piece of depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a segment of" and "a section of"?

"A segment of" often implies a more abstract or statistically defined group, while "a section of" typically refers to a more clearly defined or physical division.

When is it appropriate to use "a segment of" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "a segment of" in formal writing when you need to precisely describe a specific subset or portion of a larger group, especially in statistical, business, or academic contexts. Prefer synonyms if a general term is better.