constitute the majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constitute the majority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something is a large part of a whole. For example, "Residents of this town who are over the age of 65 constitute the majority of the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Igbo constitute the majority of the population.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Igbo (Ibo) constitute the majority of the state's population.

Britannica

Minangkabau and Batak peoples constitute the majority of Jambi's population.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In those industries, nearly everybody agrees, illegal immigrants constitute the majority.

The New York Times

If present trends persist, Arabs could constitute the majority of Israel's citizens by 2040 or 2050.

The New York Times

Although the Tamils are a minority, they constitute the majority in the northern and eastern provinces.

The Guardian

While illegal sales constitute the majority of the cannabis economy, legal sales are growing strongly.

The Guardian - Music

These non-medically driven "enhancements" constitute the majority of procedures undertaken.

The Guardian

Inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) can constitute the majority of the organic phosphorus in soil.

Geoderma

Email and chat still constitute the majority ofelectronic communication on the Internet.

University of California, Berkeley

At present the Pahari constitute the majority who come from Nepal in both Sikkim and Bhutan.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constitute the majority" when you want to emphasize that a specific group or element forms the largest portion of a whole. This phrase adds a formal tone to your writing and clearly conveys the idea of numerical dominance.

Common error

Avoid using "constitute the majority" in informal contexts or when simpler language would suffice. Overusing formal phrases can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious. For example, saying "most people" instead of "people who constitute the majority" can improve clarity in casual communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute the majority" functions as a descriptive element, specifying that a particular group or element forms the largest portion of a whole. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

17%

News & Media

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "constitute the majority" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote that a particular group or element forms the largest portion of a whole. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely employed in academic, scientific, and news contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When aiming for clarity and precision in your writing, consider this phrase to effectively communicate numerical dominance. Be mindful of the context to ensure the level of formality aligns with your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent the majority

Uses a different verb to convey the idea of representing the larger part.

form the majority

Employs 'form' instead of 'constitute', suggesting a creation or assembly of the majority.

make up the majority

Replaces "constitute" with the phrasal verb "make up", implying composition.

comprise the majority

Similar to "constitute", but emphasizes the components that come together to create the majority.

account for the majority

Highlights the proportion or percentage that the majority represents.

are the majority

A more direct and simple way of stating that a group or element is the largest.

dominate the numbers

Suggests a more forceful presence in terms of quantity.

hold the majority

Implies possession or control of the largest portion.

consist of the greater part

Breaks down the phrase to highlight that the subject consists of the larger section.

primarily be composed of

Focuses on the composition of the majority, emphasizing its primary elements.

FAQs

How can I use "constitute the majority" in a sentence?

You can use "constitute the majority" to indicate that a particular group or element forms the largest part of a whole. For example, "Female students "constitute the majority" of the student body at this university".

What are some alternatives to "constitute the majority"?

Alternatives include "represent the majority", "form the majority", or "make up the majority". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Which is more appropriate: "constitute the majority" or "are the majority"?

"Constitute the majority" is generally more formal and emphasizes the composition of the larger part. "Are the majority" is simpler and more direct. Use ""constitute the majority"" in formal writing and "are the majority" in more casual contexts.

What does "constitute the majority" mean?

"Constitute the majority" means to form the largest part or number of a whole. It implies that a particular group or element represents more than half of the total.