a supermajority vote

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a supermajority vote" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts involving decision-making processes, particularly in legislative or organizational settings where a higher threshold than a simple majority is required for approval. Example: "The amendment to the constitution requires a supermajority vote to pass, ensuring that a significant majority of members support the change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Congress was not limited to a supermajority vote.

The New York Times

"The framers never intended ordinary legislation to require a supermajority vote," the court said.

The New York Times

"Most proprietary leases require an amendment to be approved by a supermajority vote of the shareholders".

The New York Times

Only twice since 1917, when the Senate's modern filibuster rules were created, has a cabinet-level nominee been subject to a supermajority vote of 60".

The New York Times

The document is very explicit about the few instances where a supermajority vote is needed — and changing the Senate's procedural rules is not among them.

The New York Times

States now commonly require either a referendum or a supermajority vote of the legislature to issue a general obligation bond (one not backed by earmarked revenues).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

On Thursday, Republicans tried to get around that limit with a multitude of "motions to suspend the rules," which violate the concept of cloture and could keep debate going even after a supermajority votes to move on.

The New York Times

Inner pages include information about the terms that the authority and City Council have endorsed, such as a "supermajority voting" measure that officials have said would effectively give Burbank representatives veto power on future airport expansion.

Los Angeles Times

But the state's budget rules would have required a state referendum or a yearly supermajority vote to pay the estimated $400 billion annual bill.

The Washington Post

Jerry Brown and legislative leaders push for a bipartisan supermajority vote.

Los Angeles Times

Congress members can only change the specific areas of Medicare hit by IPAB's sharp scissors with a two-thirds supermajority vote or an entirely new cost-cutting proposal.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a supermajority vote", specify the exact fraction required (e.g., two-thirds, three-quarters) for clarity. For example: "The amendment requires a two-thirds supermajority vote."

Common error

Don't assume that "a supermajority vote" is just a slightly larger majority. It always means significantly more than 50%, typically two-thirds or three-quarters. Be precise about the percentage or fraction required to avoid misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supermajority vote" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its role in describing specific voting thresholds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a supermajority vote" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that specifies a voting threshold exceeding a simple majority. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase commonly appears in contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, ensure to specify the exact fraction required (e.g., two-thirds, three-quarters) for optimal clarity and avoid confusion. Be mindful that "supermajority" implies a significantly higher threshold than a simple majority. Some alternatives include "qualified majority" and "enhanced majority", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualified majority

Emphasizes that the majority must meet specific qualifications or conditions.

two-thirds vote

Specifies the exact fraction needed for the vote to pass.

three-quarters vote

Indicates a higher threshold than two-thirds.

overwhelming majority

Highlights the significant level of support required.

substantial majority

Suggests a considerable level of agreement.

enhanced majority

Implies a strengthened or increased majority requirement.

requisite majority

Focuses on meeting the necessary majority threshold.

special majority

Indicates that the majority is for a particular or important decision.

absolute majority

Indicates a majority of all members, not just those present.

weighted voting

Describes a system where votes are not equal and some count more than others.

FAQs

What does "a supermajority vote" mean?

A "supermajority vote" refers to a requirement for a proposal or decision to receive more than a simple majority (50% + 1) to pass. This typically means a two-thirds or three-quarters vote, but the specific threshold can vary based on the context, such as in a constitution or bylaws.

When is "a supermajority vote" typically required?

A "supermajority vote" is often required for significant decisions, such as amending a constitution, overriding a veto, impeachment proceedings, or making fundamental changes to a company's bylaws. This ensures broad support and protects against actions taken with only narrow approval.

What are some alternatives to saying "a supermajority vote"?

You can use alternatives like "qualified majority", "two-thirds vote", or "three-quarters vote" to describe "a supermajority vote", depending on the specific context and required threshold.

Why is a supermajority sometimes required instead of a simple majority?

Requiring "a supermajority vote" ensures that decisions have broad support and consensus, preventing actions that could be divisive or detrimental if passed with only minimal backing. It serves as a safeguard, particularly for matters of great importance or those that could significantly impact the organization or community.