a segment of the population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a segment of the population" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific portion or group within a larger population, often in discussions related to demographics, statistics, or social studies. Example: "A segment of the population is increasingly concerned about climate change and its impact on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Here's an opportunity to win back a segment of the population," he said.

The New York Times

What else would you call a segment of the population who are systematically discriminated against in school, work and politics?

The Guardian - Opinion

The Black Diamonds profile reflects a segment of the population that was long overlooked by event promoters and corporate marketers.

The New York Times

"A segment of the population doesn't have joint integrity and the ability to stabilize their entire body," he said.

The New York Times

"Look, I'll say that she's interesting … different … she appeals to a segment of the population that very few politicians do these day.

The Guardian

Underneath its party-time surface, the music speaks for black Washington, a segment of the population that has been historically ignored in most discussions of the city.

The New York Times - Books

They can fight back by having unique merchandise and catering to a segment of the population that is smaller, obviously, but that appreciates that uniqueness.

The New York Times

Of course, a segment of the population, particularly those whose computers seized up last week, have complicated feelings toward Mr. Gates and his ilk.

The New York Times

"One of the ways to know that your advertising is working is there will be a segment of the population that is upset by it".

The New York Times

"It's a segment of the population that many Americans don't think about, don't care about," Dr. Teplin said.

The New York Times

Even if home birth was a real option for a segment of the population in the U.S., we still need to work on hospital care and outcomes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a segment of the population", ensure that the specific characteristics defining that segment are clear to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a segment of the population" without providing specific details about the group you are referencing. Vague references can weaken your argument and confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a segment of the population" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific, often demographically or statistically defined, portion of a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a segment of the population" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase for referring to a specific subgroup within a larger population. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It appears most often in news and media, and science, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient detail about the defining characteristics of the segment to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "a portion of the population" or "a subset of the population". The high source quality and consistent usage patterns, with an expert rating of 4.5, support its reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a portion of the population

Replaces "segment" with "portion", indicating a part or share of the population.

a section of the population

Substitutes "segment" with "section", implying a distinct group within the population.

a subset of the population

Uses "subset" to denote a smaller group contained within the larger population.

a fraction of the population

Employs "fraction" to represent a numerical part of the whole population.

a demographic group

Replaces the general term with a more specific term referring to a group categorized by demographic factors.

a specific demographic

Focuses on the specificity of the population group being referenced.

a part of the populace

Uses "populace" as a synonym for population and replaces "segment" with "part".

a sector of the public

Uses "sector" as an alternative to "segment", and "public" instead of "population".

a minority of the population

Specifies that the segment represents a smaller, often underrepresented, group.

a community subgroup

Highlights that the segment is a smaller, defined group within a broader community.

FAQs

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

You can use "a segment of the population" to refer to a specific subgroup within a larger group, as in, "A segment of the population is increasingly concerned about environmental issues".

What are some alternatives to saying "a segment of the population"?

Alternatives include "a portion of the population", "a subset of the population", or "a demographic group", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a segment of the population" or "the entire population"?

It depends on what you want to emphasize. "A segment of the population" highlights a specific subgroup, while "the entire population" refers to everyone.

What's the difference between "a segment of the population" and "a community"?

"A segment of the population" refers to a statistical or demographic subset, while "a community" implies a group sharing common characteristics or location.