for the greater part of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the greater part of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something applies to the majority of a given situation. For example: "For the greater part of the day, the sky was clear and sunny."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Commandeer the use of all her biological systems for the greater part of a year?

The Guardian - Opinion

For the greater part of this series, such a result seemed but a pipe dream.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The land outside for the greater part of the journey looks unforgivingly hostile.

The Guardian - Travel

Ann now lives for the greater part of the year on Tenth St.

The New Yorker

For the greater part of his life he was a beacon of the struggle.

Independent

"Obviously playing with less than 15 men for the greater part of the game compounded that".

The New York Times - Sports

But regard for others accounts for the greater part of morality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the greater part of her marriage, the setup worked just fine for Patsy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Karāchi has pleasant weather for the greater part of the year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was a journalist for the greater part of his life, briefly a teacher and a justice of the peace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the greater part of the last century, racial discrimination crippled black efforts to buy homes and accumulate wealth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the greater part of" to indicate that something is generally true or applicable, but not necessarily in every single instance. It's useful for providing an overview or generalization.

Common error

While "for the greater part of" is correct, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Vary your language with simpler alternatives like "mostly" or "mainly" for a smoother reading experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the greater part of" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the extent or duration to which something is true or applicable. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the greater part of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is generally true or applicable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies it as very common, appearing frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While effective, consider using alternatives like "mostly" or "mainly" to avoid repetition. Remember, the phrase conveys a sense of majority rather than absolute certainty, making it ideal for generalizations. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the majority of

Replaces 'greater part' with 'majority', maintaining similar meaning.

for the most part

A common alternative, slightly more informal.

mostly

Single-word synonym emphasizing prevalence or dominance.

mainly

Similar to 'mostly', but may also imply intention or focus.

largely

Indicates something is true to a considerable extent.

primarily

Highlights the chief or principal aspect of something.

predominantly

Suggests a strong prevalence or controlling influence.

in most cases

Focuses on typical occurrences or situations.

by and large

An idiomatic alternative suggesting general truth.

almost entirely

Emphasizes near-completeness.

FAQs

What does "for the greater part of" mean?

It means mostly or mainly. It indicates that something is true or applicable in the majority of cases or situations.

How can I use "for the greater part of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a duration, quantity, or extent that is largely true. For example, "For the greater part of the day, the weather was sunny."

What are some alternatives to "for the greater part of"?

Alternatives include "mostly", "mainly", "primarily", or "largely". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "for the greater part of" and "for the most part"?

While similar, "for the greater part of" often refers to a quantifiable majority, whereas "for the most part" implies a general or overall condition. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.