great majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great majority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large portion or most of a group or population. Example: "The great majority of voters supported the new policy in the recent election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The great majority are rejected.

The Economist

The great majority was derivative".

The New York Times

The great majority of casualties are civilians.

The New York Times

Nor will the great majority of women.

The Guardian - Opinion

He'll get the great majority of them.

The New York Times

We are the great majority, the 80%!

The Guardian

The great majority simply went to sleep.

The New Yorker

The great majority are primary schools.

The Guardian

And the great majority of Israelis endorsed this.

The New Yorker

Finally, a great majority of the population was illiterate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inuit form the great majority of the population.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great majority", ensure the context clearly defines the total group or population being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "great majority" when referring to very small groups. While technically accurate, it can sound awkward or exaggerated. Instead, opt for more precise language such as "most" or "a significant number".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great majority" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying the quantity or proportion of a noun. It indicates that a substantial portion, though not necessarily all, of a group or population is being referred to, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

34%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great majority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant proportion of a group or population. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedic, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "vast majority" or "overwhelming majority" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. When using "great majority", ensure the context is clear and the scale appropriate to avoid ambiguity or exaggeration. The high frequency of examples and authoritative sources underscores its reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vast majority

Emphasizes the extensiveness of the proportion.

overwhelming majority

Suggests a force or dominance in the proportion.

substantial majority

Highlights the significance or importance of the proportion.

large proportion

A more general term, less emphatic than "great majority".

significant number

Focuses on the numerical value rather than the proportion.

bulk

Implies the main mass or part of something.

preponderance

Indicates a superiority in weight, force, or influence.

most

A simpler and more direct way to express the idea.

the lion's share

An idiomatic expression indicating the largest portion.

the better part

Suggests that more than half, but not necessarily all, is being referenced.

FAQs

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

You can use "great majority" to indicate that a large portion of a group shares a particular characteristic or opinion. For example, "The "great majority" of students preferred the online format."

What's a good alternative to "great majority"?

Alternatives include "vast majority", "overwhelming majority", or "substantial majority". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "greater majority" or "great majority"?

"Great majority" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing. "Greater majority" is less frequently used and can sometimes sound awkward.

What is the difference between "great majority" and "supermajority"?

"Great majority" refers to a large undefined proportion, while "supermajority" refers to a specific threshold (often two-thirds) required for certain decisions, especially in legal or political contexts.