a weak minority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weak minority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small group of people who have less power or influence compared to a larger group, often in discussions about social, political, or economic contexts. Example: "In the debate over the new policy, the voices of a weak minority were often overshadowed by the majority opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Lithuania has a weak minority government.

The Economist

Thus a weak minority government would emerge, probably getting little done but possibly wobbling on for a surprisingly long time.

The Economist

That is not just because the only real alternative after the general election was a weak, minority Tory government.

The Economist

But the IMF is counting on a weak minority government after May's election, rather than a Tory majority.

The Economist

Reservations look like bulwarks against forces that might imperil both the Amazon, where the biggest ones are, and the rights of a weak minority.

The Economist

The most likely outcome is a weak minority government led by Mr Löfven that may have trouble passing a budget and will struggle to last a full four-year term.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"This is a rightwing paper who pretend to be for free speech when they just wanted to do damage to a very weak minority in this country.

The Guardian - Film

Christians are a tiny and politically weak minority in Muslim-majority Pakistan who suffer from prejudice and sporadic bouts of mob violence.

The Guardian

Despite his constant international and domestic catastrophes, for his first six years in office Cheney's crimes were supported by an ideological Republican legislative majority and a weak Democratic minority, both of whom succumbed to Bush and Cheney's Unitary Executive.

Huffington Post

He can veto legislation, and is at odds with the weak minority centre-right government of Mikulas Dzurinda, the prime minister.

The Guardian

Despite family influence in the operations of the bank and traditionally weak minority shareholder laws in Brazil, Itaú has won awards locally for its transparency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a weak minority", ensure you provide context explaining the specific area in which the minority is weak, such as political power, economic influence, or social standing.

Common error

Avoid using "a weak minority" without specifying the context of their weakness. It's important to clarify whether their weakness is related to political representation, economic status, or social influence, to avoid making broad, unsupported claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weak minority" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'weak' is an adjective modifying the noun 'minority'. It describes a specific attribute of the minority group, indicating a lack of power, influence, or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a weak minority" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, used to describe a minority group characterized by a lack of power or influence. Ludwig AI validates its usability in diverse writing contexts. This phrase appears across news, scientific, and formal business sources, indicating its broad applicability, yet the phrase is more rarely used in Wiki, Encyclopedias and Social Media. When employing this phrase, it's best to provide context about the specific nature of the minority's weakness, to avoid generalizations and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerless minority

Emphasizes the lack of power more directly.

a vulnerable minority

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or exploitation.

a marginalized group

Focuses on the social exclusion and lack of access to resources.

a disadvantaged minority

Stresses the unfair circumstances and limited opportunities.

a politically insignificant minority

Specifically addresses the lack of political influence.

a numerically small and fragile group

Combines the aspect of a small population size with its instability.

a defenseless minority

Highlights the inability to protect oneself from harm.

a minority with limited influence

Rephrases 'weak' to 'limited influence'.

a precarious minority

Indicates an unstable or uncertain situation for the minority.

an unsupported minority

Suggests a lack of backing or assistance from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weak minority" to describe a group that lacks power or influence in a specific context. For example, "The new regulations disproportionately affect "a weak minority" of small business owners."

What are some alternatives to "a weak minority"?

Some alternatives include "a powerless minority", "a vulnerable minority", or "a marginalized group", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a weak minority" in formal writing?

Yes, "a weak minority" is appropriate for formal writing as long as it's used accurately and sensitively. Ensure the context clearly indicates the area in which the minority is weak. It's important to avoid generalizations or stereotypes.

What's the difference between "a weak minority" and "a small minority"?

"A small minority" refers to the size of the group, while "a weak minority" refers to its lack of power or influence. A group can be small without being weak, and vice versa. For example, a small group of wealthy individuals might not be considered "a weak minority" because they possess considerable economic power.