a significant plurality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant plurality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number or proportion of individuals or items within a group, often in contexts like surveys, elections, or studies. Example: "In the recent survey, a significant plurality of respondents indicated that they preferred online shopping over traditional retail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In the past several years, I've been touched to hear a significant plurality of students name a priority that I didn't hear much when I began teaching, nearly a decade ago: their close relationships with their parents.

The New Yorker

"The mood of, if not the country but a significant plurality of the country, is highly skeptical," said the founder of StopTheDraft.com, Barry Zellen, who has seen traffic to his site jump in recent months.

The New York Times

"When in New Jersey, we're facing a significant opportunity to keep a Democrat in the Senate, to help Al Gore get elected with a significant plurality, everyone knows that we have to do it in concert," Senator Lautenberg said.

The New York Times

A splinter group from her party and more than two dozen other smaller parties are contesting the elections, making it possible that a significant plurality of the new Parliament will be controlled by nonmilitary parties.

The New York Times

It shows a significant plurality of Americans self-identifying as "conservative".

Huffington Post

This marks the first time that a significant plurality of Americans have described the economy in positive terms in a CNN/ORC poll since September 2007.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For instance, all but one vignette question held a statistically significant plurality suggesting that a large portion of practitioners are approaching the problem list in a similar manner.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Although ninety per cent of the electorate went to the polls, and by a substantial plurality voted for the only significant opposition party, Hun Sen threatened to secede and go to war if the vote was not "corrected".

The New Yorker

Even in purple states, there are not enough self-identified liberals to elect Democrats without their winning significant pluralities or majorities of moderates.

Huffington Post

Among MC twins, there was a significant interaction between year of delivery and plurality (p=0.01), with the RR of CHD in MC twins compared with singletons increasing over the study period (interaction term: RR=1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20).

Heart

If it were held today, an Opinium/Observer poll suggests, the anti-European side would prevail, with a large majority of Conservatives, a plurality of Labour voters and a significant minority of Liberal Democrats voting for a British exit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant plurality", ensure the context clearly indicates the total group size or scope to which the plurality relates.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a significant plurality" implies a majority. A plurality simply means more than any other single group, but not necessarily more than 50% of the total.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant plurality" functions as a determiner and noun phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that a notably large segment of a group or population holds a particular view or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant plurality" accurately describes a situation where a particular segment within a group is notably larger than any other single segment, though not necessarily a majority. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts, including news, media, and scientific publications. When using "a significant plurality", it's important to avoid the common error of assuming it implies a majority. Considering alternative phrasing like "a considerable number" or "a substantial portion" can provide greater clarity depending on the specific context. In conclusion, "a significant plurality" is a useful tool for describing group dynamics when a clear majority does not exist but a notable portion shares common views or characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable number

Emphasizes the quantity or count of the group.

a substantial portion

Highlights the size or proportion of the group relative to the whole.

a notable segment

Focuses on a specific subset of the group that is worthy of attention.

a marked percentage

Quantifies the group as a percentage, emphasizing its size and impact.

a prominent fraction

Similar to 'portion', but suggests a more distinct or easily identifiable subgroup.

a weighty contingent

Implies the group has influence or importance due to its size.

a sizable division

Highlights that the larger group can be divided into meaningful parts.

a good deal

Indicates the group represents an important quantity or value.

a major share

Suggests the group possesses control or dominance within the context.

a relevant quantity

Highlights that the group is of interest.

FAQs

What does "a significant plurality" mean?

The term "a significant plurality" refers to a situation where a particular group or option receives more votes or support than any other single group or option, but not necessarily more than half of the total. The word "significant" emphasizes that the plurality is large enough to be noteworthy.

How to use "a significant plurality" in a sentence?

You might say, "A significant plurality of voters supported the new policy, although it did not achieve a majority."

What are some alternatives to "a significant plurality"?

Alternatives include "a considerable number", "a substantial portion", or "a notable segment" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "a significant plurality" even if the group doesn't have a majority?

Yes, it is correct. "A significant plurality" only means that a group has more than any other single group, not that it has more than half of the total. It is often used when no option has a majority.