an absolute majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an absolute majority" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in political or decision-making contexts to refer to a situation where more than half of the total votes or members are in favor of a particular option or decision. Example: "In order to pass the new legislation, the proposal must receive an absolute majority of votes from the assembly members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The opposition holds an absolute majority.

The Economist

Front-runner Ollanta Humala did not win an absolute majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

My feeling is that Syriza will have an absolute majority".

The Guardian

The budget needs to be passed by an absolute majority.

The Guardian

The party fell short of an absolute majority, however.

The New York Times

"When someone has an absolute majority, it can be misused.

The New Yorker

U Nu was returned to office with an absolute majority.

Britannica

Mr Ravalomanana claims he has already won an absolute majority.

The Economist

The winner has to gain an absolute majority of the votes cast.

The New York Times

Now we're in a very fluid political situation, with no party enjoying an absolute majority.

The Guardian

It was unclear if the coalition had won an absolute majority of votes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about election results or parliamentary votes, use "an absolute majority" to clearly indicate that more than 50% of the votes were cast in favor.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "an absolute majority" with a simple majority or a plurality. An absolute majority requires over 50% of all possible votes, while a simple majority only requires over 50% of the votes cast, and a plurality only requires more votes than any other single candidate or option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absolute majority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a specific quantity or proportion required for a decision or outcome to be valid. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an absolute majority" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a situation where more than half of all possible votes are in favor. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous real-world examples reveals its frequent appearance in news, encyclopedias and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by contrasting it with simple majorities or pluralities, which have different implications. Alternatives like "a clear majority" or "an overwhelming majority" can sometimes be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear majority

Indicates a distinct and unambiguous majority, emphasizing clarity.

an overwhelming majority

Suggests a very large majority, highlighting the significant difference in numbers.

a significant majority

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the majority.

a decisive majority

Indicates that the majority is strong enough to determine an outcome definitively.

a controlling majority

Highlights the power and influence that the majority holds.

more than half

A simple and direct way to express having over 50% of the votes or members.

a supermajority

Refers to a majority greater than a simple majority, often required for special cases.

a dominant share

Implies a controlling portion or segment of something.

the lion's share

Indicates receiving the largest portion, although not necessarily an absolute majority.

a prevalent proportion

Highlights that the prevailing proportion can be considered a majority.

FAQs

How is "an absolute majority" typically used in political contexts?

In politics, "an absolute majority" refers to a situation where a candidate or party receives more than half of all the votes cast or seats available. It's crucial for passing legislation or forming a government. Achieving "a clear majority" ensures stable governance.

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

"An absolute majority" means more than 50% of all possible votes, while a simple majority means more than 50% of the votes cast. Abstentions can affect whether a motion achieves a simple majority, but not an absolute majority. Understanding this distinction is vital in parliamentary procedure.

When might a group aim for "an absolute majority"?

A group might aim for "an absolute majority" when they need to ensure that their decisions are unchallengeable or when they need to overcome potential opposition. Achieving "a decisive majority" allows for smoother implementation of policies.

Are there situations where "an absolute majority" is not required?

Yes, in some decision-making processes, a simple majority or even a plurality might be sufficient. For instance, in some elections, the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they don't have "a controlling majority". The specific rules depend on the context.