contain the majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contain the majority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a group or collection that holds a larger portion of something, such as data, opinions, or items. Example: "The survey results indicate that the responses from the younger demographic contain the majority of positive feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The order Thermoproteales, and especially the genus Pyrobaculum, contain the majority of intron-containing tRNAs and 23S rRNA gene introns in the domain Archaea.

Biology Direct

Now more coordination is needed between countries that contain the majority of the elephant and rhino populations.

Independent

The suborders Amblycera and Ischnocera contain the majority of Phthiraptera, consisting of approximately 2,900 described species.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Even if e-cigarettes contained similar, or higher, levels of formaldehyde, they do not contain the majority of other toxic and carcinogenic substances present in cigarette smoke.

The Guardian

The pronuclei, the nuclei during the process of fertilisation, contain the majority of the genetic material.

BBC

Using this information, we demonstrate that four 18-residue peptides contain the majority of these T cell epitopes.

Revue Française d'Allergologie et d'Immunologie Clinique

The mesopores of HMM contain the majority of the sulfur mass, and effectively suppress the diffusion of polysulfide species into the electrolyte.

Electrochimica Acta

Global flow occurs through the fracture network only, while rock matrices and cavities contain the majority of fluid storage and provide fluid drainage to the fractures.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

However, a small value for s(H) may be insufficient for the possible S X to contain the majority of the errors present in the N-tuples ξ ̂.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

One possible explanation for this effect for the random preferential attachment network is that few nodes in such networks contain the majority of the edges.

Security Informatics

Most cities are small, but a small proportion of all cities contain the majority of people who live in cities (Gabaix 1999).

Crime Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contain the majority", ensure that the context clearly defines the total from which the majority is derived. Providing specific numbers or percentages can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "the majority" automatically signifies more than 50%. While often true, it simply means 'more than any other single part'. The other parts combined could still outweigh the 'majority' if they are sufficiently numerous. Always verify your assumptions with data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contain the majority" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something holds or includes the largest portion of a particular group or set. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used across various contexts to express that a subject encompasses the predominant part of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contain the majority" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote that something holds or includes the largest portion of a group or set. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and applicable across various contexts. While commonly found in scientific and news-related sources, its usage is appropriate in numerous formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the total from which the majority is derived. Be mindful not to assume that "majority" always implies over 50%, as it simply means 'more than any other single part'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitute the majority

Emphasizes the idea of forming or composing the largest part, shifting focus from holding to creating.

include the most

Highlights the act of incorporating the largest portion, simplifying the wording.

hold the greater part

Focuses on possession of the larger portion, using more descriptive language.

encompass the bulk

Suggests a comprehensive inclusion of the main mass or volume.

comprise the largest share

Indicates that something is made up of the biggest portion, emphasizing composition.

represent the majority

Highlights the idea of standing for or embodying the largest part, changing the verb.

account for most

Focuses on explaining or constituting the largest portion, shifting to a causal relationship.

house the bulk

Suggests providing a dwelling or storage for the largest part, adding a sense of enclosure.

dominate the count

Implies prevailing or having the most significant number, focusing on quantity.

embody the largest segment

Expresses the idea of representing the biggest section or division, adding a sense of segmentation.

FAQs

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

You can use "contain the majority" to indicate that a particular group or entity holds or includes the largest part of something. For example, "The survey responses from the younger demographic "contain the majority" of positive feedback."

What are some alternatives to "contain the majority"?

Alternatives include phrases like "constitute the majority", "include the most", or "hold the greater part", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to assume the 'majority' is more than 50%?

While often the case, "the majority" simply means 'more than any other single part'. The remaining parts combined could still outweigh "the majority" if sufficiently numerous. So, "the majority" is not always equivalent to more than 50%.

How does the meaning of "contain the majority" differ from "account for most"?

"Contain the majority" implies that something physically or conceptually holds the largest part. "Account for most", on the other hand, suggests that something explains or constitutes the largest portion, indicating a causal relationship or explanation. For example, 'Science articles "contain the majority" of occurrences' vs 'Lack of funding "accounts for most" failed experiments'.