a segment of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a segment of something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a distinct part or portion of a larger whole. For example, "A segment of the population is affected by the new policy." Alternative expressions include "a portion of" and "a part of."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There was no whole to begin with, only a segment of something bigger that reveals itself in glimpses over all the series of drawings that she has been making for years.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Tamir Rice shooting was taped and viewed by millions of people, but even that visual evidence isn't enough to convince a segment of the population that something is amiss.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The Indian market is maturing, and there is a segment of customer who wants something different, and who can afford it," said Deepesh Rathore, managing director of India for IHS Automotive, a forecasting and consulting company.

The New York Times

It is no longer surprising that some on the far right are deluded into thinking that the U.S. is a tyranny seeking to take away their guns, property and way of life, but the persistence of this language, and the extent to which it continues to resonate with a segment of the population is something that should not be disregarded.

Huffington Post

A first step is for those of us who are in positions of privilege to fight that impulse to tweet something snarky when we notice a segment of our community splintering, becoming outraged by something as the cis-washing of the Stonewall Riots in a film trailer.

Huffington Post

For better or worse, a segment of the industry has evolved into something else, as some of you have observed on the blog about the Mugler revival, and as my colleague Suzy Menkes alluded to in her review of the show.

The New York Times

The idea is that if someone over on one side of a production team needs something (like a segment of code), they should have some kind of intuitive way for finding it rather than having to start an email chain with dozens of people on it.

TechCrunch

Like the initial Smurfs movie, in 2011, this one is a mix of live action and animation, something that displeased a segment of the Smurf fan base the first time and will certainly do so again.

The New York Times

Not far to the north, in Watchung, N.J., another Indian doctor has built a different kind of monumental house, not inspired by the childhood memory of a palace in southern India but, instead, by something all-American: a segment of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous".

The New York Times

Representative Theodore C. Speliotis, a Democrat from Danvers who supports gay marriage, said, "I worked too hard to get to this place in the legislature to vote for something that tells a segment of people that live in my district that they're odd and they're different".

The New York Times

For a segment of The Three Faces (1965), his photography did something to convey the inner qualities behind the inexpressive face of the rather pathetic ex-Empress Soraya of Iran's screen test.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a segment of something" when you want to specifically highlight a portion or section of a larger whole, especially when that portion is distinct or representative of a larger group or concept. For clarity, ensure the "something" is well-defined.

Common error

Avoid using "a segment of something" in very casual or informal settings where simpler terms like "part of" or "piece of" would sound more natural. Overusing "segment" can make your language sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a segment of something" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It denotes a specific portion or section of a larger entity, as illustrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a segment of something" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a specific portion or section of a larger whole. Ludwig AI indicates it is used in a variety of contexts, most frequently in news and media, and less so in informal settings. While "a segment" specifically indicates a part of the whole, other phrases, like "a portion of" and "a part of", may be used as alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, making it appropriate for professional and analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A portion of something

Replaces "segment" with "portion", emphasizing a share or allotment.

A part of something

Uses the more general term "part" instead of "segment", indicating a component.

A fraction of something

Emphasizes that the segment is a numerical fraction of the whole.

An element of something

Highlights that the segment is a basic component or aspect.

A piece of something

Implies a separate, often tangible, portion of the whole.

A slice of something

Suggests a distinct and recognizable part, often used metaphorically.

A share of something

Focuses on the idea of receiving a part of something.

A section of something

Emphasizes that the segment is a clearly defined and separated area.

A component of something

Replaces "segment" with a more technical term, emphasizing that the phrase refers to a component of something.

A division of something

Emphasizes the act of splitting or separating into parts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a segment of something" to refer to a distinct portion or part of a larger entity. For instance, "A segment of the population believes in stricter environmental regulations" or "This law affects a segment of the business community".

What are some alternatives to "a segment of something"?

Alternatives include "a portion of", "a part of", "a fraction of", or "a piece of" depending on the context. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a segment of something" and "a part of something"?

While both phrases refer to a portion of a whole, "a segment of something" often implies a more distinct or definable section, whereas "a part of" is more general. A "segment" suggests a specific grouping or division.

When is it most appropriate to use "a segment of something"?

It's suitable when you want to emphasize that the portion you're referring to is a specific section or subset of a larger group or entity. This phrase is often used in formal or analytical contexts, such as in reports, articles, or discussions about demographics, markets, or data.