cross-section of society

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross-section of society" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a representative sample or a diverse group of people from different backgrounds within a society. Example: "The festival attracted a cross-section of society, including families, artists, and business professionals, all coming together to celebrate local culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Opera has always spoken to a cross-section of society.

The Guardian - Music

Having that cross-section of society can help inform future government development.

The Guardian - Money

Opinion writers hardly represent a cross-section of society as it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The hardest thing is getting a cross-section of society," Jessica Morgan, the curator of the Tate show, said.

The New Yorker

A cross-section of society that is informed can act more coherently than an entire society that is uninformed.

The Guardian

I want it to be as broad a cross-section of society as we can get down there.

The Guardian - Music

It's just interesting people, a real cross-section of society that will be brought together in this show.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Hillary Rodham Clinton brought in a Hollywood contingent and a wide cross-section of American society.

The New York Times

Here you can rub shoulders with a wide cross-section of Bolognese society, including writers, politicians, academics and talkers.

The Guardian - Travel

But watching this cross-section of British society sing their life-affirming eulogy sends a tingle down the spine.

The Guardian

His opponents — who include a broad cross-section of Honduran society — said those charges led to his ouster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for inclusivity, use "cross-section of society" to emphasize that various groups, irrespective of social status or background, are being represented.

Common error

Avoid using "cross-section of society" when referring to a highly specific or exclusive group. Make sure the group in question truly represents diverse elements within the larger society, instead of a small portion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross-section of society" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a standard way to describe a diverse group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cross-section of society" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a diverse and representative group of individuals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for use across various contexts, especially in news and media, emphasizing inclusivity and representativeness. When using this phrase, ensure that the group truly reflects a broad spectrum of society and avoid overgeneralizing its application. Alternatives like "representative sample of society" or "diverse group of people" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

representative sample of society

Replaces "cross-section" with "representative sample", emphasizing the statistical accuracy of the selection.

a mix of people from all walks of life

Emphasizes the different experiences and backgrounds of the individuals.

broad spectrum of the population

Uses "spectrum" to highlight the range of different characteristics present.

various segments of society

Highlights the division of society into different groups or sections.

diverse group of people

Focuses on the variety within the group, omitting the societal aspect.

a coalition of diverse demographics

Highlights the combination and intersection of demographic groups.

wide range of individuals

Emphasizes the individuality of the members within the society.

inclusive representation of citizenry

Stresses that everybody has an equal opportunity to be a citizen.

the general public

Refers to society as a whole, without necessarily emphasizing its diversity.

the fabric of the community

Uses the metaphor of "fabric" to suggest the interconnectedness of people within the society.

FAQs

How can I use "cross-section of society" in a sentence?

You can use "cross-section of society" to describe a group that represents a diverse range of people within a community. For example, "The survey included a "cross-section of society" to ensure the results were representative".

What are some alternatives to "cross-section of society"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "representative sample of society", "diverse group of people", or "broad spectrum of the population".

Is it redundant to say "diverse cross-section of society"?

While "cross-section of society" implies diversity, using "diverse cross-section of society" can emphasize the variety within the group, especially when the diversity is a key aspect you want to highlight.

How does "cross-section of society" differ from "general public"?

"Cross-section of society" emphasizes the diversity and representativeness of a group, while "general public" refers to society as a whole, without necessarily highlighting its different components.