a significant segment of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant segment of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large portion or part of a group, population, or category in various contexts, such as research, analysis, or discussions. Example: "A significant segment of the population supports the new policy, indicating a shift in public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"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

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

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

An earlier New Yorker piece called her books "talismans that, for a significant segment of the American female population, marked the passage from childhood to adolescence".

The Guardian - Books

Science books now make up a significant segment of the 5,000 children's books issued each year, although specific figures are not available, according to a trade group.

The New York Times - Science

Politicians believed the British or, rather, a significant segment of the population, wanted the country to be Blair's tolerant, decent nation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Trump represents such a radical break with the Republican consensus on important issues that a significant segment of the Party will never back him.

The New Yorker

Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" may be our unofficial holiday anthem, but for a significant segment of the world the climate in December is anywhere from balmy to tropical.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant segment of", ensure that the size or importance of the segment is relevant to your argument. Quantify the segment if possible to strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant segment of" when the segment's impact is minimal or unsubstantiated. This can weaken your argument and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant segment of" acts as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a notable portion of a group or entity. It highlights the size and importance of the specified section. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a significant segment of" is a versatile and widely used expression to denote a notable portion within a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. It’s important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the segment’s significance is relevant and, where possible, quantified for clarity. As shown in the examples, the phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, highlighting its relevance in academic and professional discourse. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively convey the importance and impact of specific subsets within broader discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial portion of

Replaces "significant" with "substantial", implying a considerable amount or size.

a sizable percentage of

Replaces "segment" with "percentage", quantifying the portion in terms of a hundred.

a considerable fraction of

Substitutes "segment" with "fraction", suggesting a part of a whole, often in a more mathematical sense.

a major portion of

Replaces significant with major, to stress the importance of the segment.

a noteworthy part of

Emphasizes the importance of the segment rather than its size, using "noteworthy".

a good percentage of

Replaces significant with good, which lowers the emphasis of the relevance of the amount.

an appreciable number of

Shifts the focus to the quantity of individuals or items within the segment, using "appreciable".

a meaningful section of

Focuses on the importance and impact of the sector.

a respectable amount of

Implies that the segment is of a good or acceptable size, using "respectable".

a relevant portion of

Highlights that the section is pertinent and applicable to the matter being discussed.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant segment of" to indicate a large or important part of a group or population. For example, "A significant segment of the population supports the new policy."

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

You can use alternatives like "a substantial portion of", "a considerable fraction of", or "a sizable percentage of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to quantify "a significant segment of" with a percentage?

Quantifying "a significant segment of" with a percentage or number can make your statement more precise and impactful. For example, instead of "a significant segment of users", say "30% of users".

What's the difference between "a significant segment of" and "a small segment of"?

"A significant segment of" implies a large and important portion, while "a small segment of" indicates a minor or less influential part. The choice depends on the size and impact you want to convey.