a simple majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple majority" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts involving voting or decision-making, where more than half of the votes cast are needed to achieve a particular outcome. Example: "The proposal was approved by a simple majority of the members present at the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A simple majority?

Harvard Business Review

A simple majority of MPs is needed.

The Economist

This requires only a simple majority vote.

The Economist

A simple majority is needed.

The New York Times

We use a simple majority vote.

Princeton University

A simple majority gets that job done.

The New York Times

A simple majority is required to rule.

The New York Times

Supporters say a simple majority will suffice.

The New York Times

A simple majority was needed for election.

The New York Times

A simple majority is needed for confirmation.

The New York Times

This one just needs a simple majority.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a simple majority", clarify the total number of votes or members involved to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a simple majority of the board members" or "a simple majority of the votes cast".

Common error

Don't assume a simple majority is always sufficient. Some decisions require a supermajority (e.g., two-thirds vote) as stipulated by specific rules or governing documents. Always verify the specific requirements for the decision at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple majority" functions as a noun phrase. It serves as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, indicating the minimum number of votes needed to secure a decision, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple majority" is a widely used phrase that signifies more than half of the votes or members agreeing on a decision. It's grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse sources, including news, academic publications, and encyclopedias, according to Ludwig. While its meaning is straightforward, it's crucial to clarify the total number of votes or members involved to avoid ambiguity and to verify whether a simple majority is indeed sufficient, as some decisions may require a supermajority. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage and provides alternatives like "more than half the votes" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

majority of votes cast

Highlights that the majority is calculated based on actual votes, not total possible votes.

more than half the votes

Focuses on the numerical aspect of exceeding the halfway point in a vote.

over 50 percent of the vote

Specifies the numerical threshold for achieving a simple majority.

a majority of members present

Emphasizes the active participants determining the outcome.

a clear majority

Indicates an unambiguous and decisive outcome.

relative majority

Stresses only having more votes than any other option, but not necessarily a majority of all.

one vote over half

Highlights that you need to get one vote more than the 50% mark.

more than 50% of the constituency

Focuses the need of more than 50% for the totality of people that is represented in the decision.

a simple plurality

This alternative suggest getting a single more vote than all the different options.

non-qualified majority

Highlights the fact that there is no quality requirement for the majority.

FAQs

How to use "a simple majority" in a sentence?

You can use "a simple majority" to describe the minimum threshold needed for a vote to pass. For example, "The motion passed with "a simple majority" of the members voting in favor."

What's the difference between "a simple majority" and a supermajority?

A "simple majority" means more than 50% of the votes are in favor, while a supermajority requires a higher threshold, such as two-thirds or three-quarters of the votes. Supermajorities are typically required for more significant decisions.

What can I say instead of "a simple majority"?

You can use alternatives like "more than half the votes", "a majority of votes cast", or "over 50 percent of the vote" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify "a simple majority" or is "majority" enough?

While "majority" often implies a simple majority, specifying "a simple majority" can enhance clarity, especially when the possibility of a supermajority exists. It avoids any potential ambiguity.