a sizeable minority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sizeable minority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant portion of a group that holds a particular opinion or characteristic, often in discussions about demographics or public opinion. Example: "In the recent survey, a sizeable minority of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But those Americans are, at most, a sizeable minority.

The Economist

"A sizeable minority, 45%, voted for my proposal but it was not enough".

Independent

Their core supporters are a sizeable minority in most Arab countries.

The Economist

Such factions do not a majority make, though they remain a sizeable minority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Private equity group CVC is interested in buying a sizeable minority stake for £500m (€580m).

The Times

They make up a majority in 52 countries and a sizeable minority in many others.

The Guardian

A sizeable minority speak Uzbek, a Turkic language of the southeastern branch.

Britannica

But a sizeable minority favour Thailand's Supachai Panitchpakdi, who is stubbornly refusing to pull out of the race.

The Economist

Does it bother him, I ask, that for a sizeable minority of his audience, the scandal still defines him?

The Guardian - Film

Galloway may have won 56% of the vote, but a sizeable minority of the city viewed his victory with horror.

The Guardian

In our estimation, there is a sizeable minority of heterosexual couples who would prefer a civil partnership.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a sizeable minority", ensure that the context provides a clear understanding of the total group or population being referenced to give the minority its proper perspective. For example, "A sizeable minority of voters opposed the measure" clearly indicates the group being considered is voters.

Common error

Avoid using "a sizeable minority" when the group is actually very small. The term implies a notable segment, so ensure the context supports this implication. Using it for a tiny group can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sizeable minority" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that a portion of a group, while not the majority, is large enough to be significant. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sizeable minority" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a notable portion of a larger group, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is suitable for diverse writing contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. When employing this phrase, ensure the context provides adequate information about the overall group being referenced, and be mindful not to use it when describing groups that are genuinely small or insignificant. Alternatives include "a significant portion" and "a considerable number". By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately communicate the concept of a substantial non-majority within your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial fraction

Replaces "minority" with "fraction", altering the term but retaining the implication of a part of a whole.

a considerable segment

Substitutes "sizeable" and "minority" with "considerable" and "segment" respectively, emphasizing a notable section of a larger group.

a significant subset

Replaces "sizeable" and "minority" with "significant" and "subset" implying a meaningful portion within a broader set.

a notable contingent

Uses "notable contingent" instead of "sizeable minority", focusing on the conspicuous presence of a group.

a respectable portion

Emphasizes that the minority is of a considerable and worthy amount.

a measurable segment

Indicates that the minority can be quantified and is large enough to be measured.

an appreciable number

Focuses on the quantity being substantial and worthy of consideration.

a marked proportion

Highlights that the proportion is noticeable and distinct.

a relevant fraction

Indicates the minority is important in the current context.

a non-negligible quantity

Highlights that the quantity of the minority is sufficient to warrant attention.

FAQs

How can I use "a sizeable minority" in a sentence?

Use "a sizeable minority" to indicate that a notable portion of a group or population holds a certain view or characteristic. For example: "A sizeable minority of the students preferred the old curriculum."

What are some alternatives to saying "a sizeable minority"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant portion", "a considerable number", or "a substantial segment" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a significant minority" or "a sizeable minority"?

Both "a significant minority" and "a sizeable minority" are correct and largely interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey and the overall tone of your writing.

What distinguishes "a sizeable minority" from "a small minority"?

"A sizeable minority" suggests that the group is large enough to be noteworthy, while "a small minority" indicates the group is relatively insignificant in size. The choice depends on the actual proportion and its importance in the context.