make up a majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make up a majority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the composition of a group or population, indicating that a certain subset constitutes more than half of the total. Example: "In the recent survey, women make up a majority of the respondents, highlighting their perspectives on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In major cities like New York and Chicago, the two groups together make up a majority of the population.

The New York Times

Men make up a majority of the leadership at ICE.

The New York Times

But if they make up a majority of the kids in front of you, it's impossible.

Independent

OBVIOUSLY, the loan modifications would make up a majority of the deal.

The New York Times

Within 80 years, he said, Muslims will make up a majority in Germany.

The New York Times

Female consumers make up a majority of users for many tech products.

The New York Times

France, Germany, Canada, Australia and the UK make up a majority of the claims.

The Guardian

They will likely make up a majority of the Democratic primary electorate in several southern states.

The Guardian

By 2032, non-white Americans will make up a majority of the country's working class.

The New Yorker

What is more, women make up a majority of obstetricians in their 20s and early 30s.

The New York Times

He continues to enjoy widespread support among the poor, who make up a majority of Filipinos.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make up a majority" when you want to emphasize the numerical dominance of a specific group within a larger context.

Common error

Avoid using "make up a majority" when the group in question constitutes a significant portion but not more than half of the total. In such cases, consider alternatives like "make up a significant portion" or "represent a large segment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make up a majority" functions primarily as a descriptive element, indicating that a specified group constitutes more than half of a given population or set. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to describe group composition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make up a majority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a situation where a group constitutes more than half of a population. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is prevalent in news and media, serving to inform readers about dominant proportions. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the context accurately reflects a true majority. Remember to consider alternatives like "constitute a majority" or "form the majority" for nuanced expression. This comprehensive analysis, powered by Ludwig, equips you to use this phrase effectively and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Constitute a majority

Emphasizes the act of forming or composing the greater part of a whole.

Form the majority

Highlights the creation or establishment of a majority within a group.

Comprise a majority

Focuses on the elements or components that collectively constitute a majority.

Represent a majority

Indicates that a particular group or segment accounts for more than half of the total.

Account for a majority

Stresses the numerical significance of a group within a larger population.

Hold the majority

Implies possession or control of the largest portion within a set.

Predominate

Signifies being the strongest or main element; implies numerical superiority.

Outnumber the rest

Directly indicates a greater number compared to all other elements combined.

Exceed half

A more mathematical way of saying something is more than 50%.

Form the greater part

Highlights that something constitutes the larger portion but might not necessarily be over 50%.

FAQs

How can I use "make up a majority" in a sentence?

You can use "make up a majority" to indicate that a particular group constitutes more than half of a larger population or set. For example, "Women "make up a majority" of the student body at this university".

What's the difference between ""make up a majority"" and "comprise a majority"?

Both phrases are similar, but ""make up a majority"" emphasizes the act of forming the majority, while "comprise a majority" focuses on the elements that constitute the majority.

What are some alternatives to ""make up a majority""?

Alternatives include "constitute a majority", "form the majority", or "represent a majority", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "making up a majority"?

Yes, "making up a majority" is grammatically correct, but it's a gerund phrase (a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun). It's often used to describe the process or result of something forming a majority, as in "The increasing number of female students is resulting in women "making up a majority" of the graduates".