constitutes a majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constitutes a majority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a group or collection that makes up more than half of a total amount or number. Example: "In the recent vote, the proposal was accepted as it constitutes a majority of the members present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But lukewarm support, even if it still constitutes a majority, could lead to strife.

The Economist

If 257 electors constitutes a majority, Mr. Gore would become president, since he has 267 without those from Florida.

The New York Times

That constitutes a majority in the House, and enough senators to mount a filibuster.In this section A morning-after constitutional?

The Economist

California, where no single race constitutes a majority, is closely watched for clues about America's future as a white-minority society.

The New York Times

The clerics said they wanted the facilities for the people of Iraq and to use as schools for the Shiite community, which constitutes a majority of Iraq's population.

The New York Times

Mr Blair has said that he will concede quite a bit more.The bigger debate will be about what exactly constitutes a majority.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The Sunnis are thought to constitute a majority in three provinces.

The New York Times

Rental apartment buildings, which constitute a majority of housing here, are mostly immune.

The New York Times

In New York City, after all, minorities constitute a majority of the population.

The New York Times

The fast-growing toi and the tavahi constitute a majority of the tree cover on ʿEua.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Today in California and New York, less than 14% of black children go to schools in which whites constitute a majority.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constitutes a majority", ensure the context clearly defines the total population or group from which the majority is derived. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "constitutes a majority" without specifying the overall group or context. For example, instead of saying "This constitutes a majority", clarify with "This constitutes a majority of the votes cast."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitutes a majority" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a specific element or group forms more than half of a whole. Ludwig's examples illustrate this in contexts ranging from political representation to demographic composition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constitutes a majority" accurately describes a situation where a portion is greater than half of the whole. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While alternatives like "represents a majority" and "makes up a majority" exist, ensuring contextual clarity when using the phrase remains vital. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the overall group being referenced. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it suitable for objective reporting and analytical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represents a majority

Replaces "constitutes" with "represents", focusing on representation rather than composition.

forms a majority

Uses "forms" instead of "constitutes", emphasizing the act of creating a majority.

makes up a majority

Emphasizes the components that comprise the majority.

comprises a majority

Similar to "makes up a majority" but slightly more formal.

accounts for a majority

Highlights the proportion that the majority represents.

is the majority

Simplifies the phrase to a direct statement of being the majority.

holds a majority

Focuses on the possession of the majority.

commands a majority

Indicates control or influence due to having a majority.

controls a majority

Highlights power and control derived from the majority status.

establishes a majority

Emphasizes the creation or confirmation of the majority.

FAQs

What does "constitutes a majority" mean?

The phrase "constitutes a majority" means that something or someone forms more than half of a group or total.

How can I use "constitutes a majority" in a sentence?

You can use "constitutes a majority" to describe a portion that is greater than 50% of the whole. For example, "Female students "constitute a majority" of the class."

What are some alternatives to "constitutes a majority"?

Alternatives include "represents a majority", "forms a majority", or "makes up a majority".

Is it correct to say "constitutes the majority" instead of "constitutes a majority"?

While "constitutes the majority" isn't grammatically incorrect, "constitutes a majority" is more commonly used and generally preferred. "The majority" usually refers to a previously defined or understood group.