a significant segment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant segment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or substantial portion of a whole, often in discussions about demographics, markets, or groups. Example: "A significant segment of the population supports the new policy, indicating a shift in public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They represent a significant segment in the timeline of Jimi's musical existence".

The Guardian - Music

Assorted fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute a significant segment of Victoria's agricultural yield.

Britannica

Retail and wholesale trade also constitutes a significant segment of the services sector.

Britannica

The N.F.L. realizes that women are a significant segment of its audience.

The New Yorker

A significant segment of the Nixon leadership is living in Washington hotels.

The New York Times

A significant segment of the population regarded global warming as a serious problem.

Harvard Business Review

It also requires a concerted effort on the part of a significant segment of society.

Britannica

"There's a significant segment of the population that's Cajun-descended, but the Creole style of cooking has always been predominant".

The New York Times

"A significant segment of the donor community has said they won't contribute if he's chairman.

The New York Times

Because of the great importance of fishes as human food, economic ichthyology is a significant segment of the field.

Britannica

When Ward first entered the game against Toronto on Sunday afternoon, he was booed by a significant segment of the crowd.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant segment", ensure the context clearly defines the whole to which the segment belongs. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant segment" when the portion you're describing is actually quite small or inconsequential. Overstating the segment's importance can weaken your argument or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant segment" typically functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a noteworthy portion of a larger whole, emphasizing its importance or impact, as exemplified in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

13%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant segment" is a versatile phrase used to denote a noteworthy portion of a larger entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academia. It's important to ensure the context clearly defines the whole to which the segment belongs to maintain clarity. While alternatives exist, such as ""a considerable portion"" or ""a substantial part"", the choice depends on the desired nuance. Be mindful of overstating the significance of the segment to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable portion

Emphasizes the size and importance of the portion.

a notable fraction

Highlights that the segment is worth mentioning or observing.

a substantial part

Stresses the amount and solidity of the segment.

a large section

Focuses on the extent and size of the segment.

a major share

Indicates that the segment represents a prominent part of the whole.

an important component

Highlights the importance and role of the segment within the larger context.

a sizable chunk

Conveys a more informal sense of a large portion.

a good percentage

Uses a quantifiable measure to describe the segment's size.

a relevant demographic

Specifically relates to a portion of a population with shared characteristics.

a key constituency

Refers to a group that supports a particular cause or entity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant segment" to describe a notable portion of a larger group or entity. For example, "A significant segment of the population supports the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "a significant segment"?

Some alternatives include "a considerable portion", "a substantial part", or "a notable fraction". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a significant segment" or "a large segment"?

"A significant segment" implies that the portion is not only large but also important or noteworthy. "A large segment" simply refers to the size. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

Can "a significant segment" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a significant segment" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in more informal contexts, you might consider using alternatives like "a good percentage" or "a sizable chunk".