make up a majority of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'make up a majority of' is correct and is a commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of people or things that are the largest or main group out of a total group. For example: "Women make up a majority of the students in this college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

In addition, women will continue to make up a majority of seniors.

University of California, Berkeley

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

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

When using "make up a majority of", ensure that the context clearly defines the total group from which the majority is derived. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using a singular verb when the subject is plural. For example, instead of "The members makes up a majority of the team", use "The members make up a majority of the team."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make up a majority of" functions as a predicate in a sentence, specifically indicating that a certain group or element constitutes more than half of a larger whole. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make up a majority of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a group or element constituting over half of a whole. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely accepted and employed across diverse contexts. This phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Ludwig's analysis highlights its prevalence in news media and academic writing, underlining its importance in factual reporting and analytical discourse. When using this phrase, remember to maintain subject-verb agreement and ensure clarity regarding the total group being referenced. Its related alternatives are useful depending on formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitute the majority of

Formal phrasing emphasizing composition.

form the majority of

Focuses on the act of creating the majority.

comprise the majority of

Highlights inclusion within a larger group.

represent the majority of

Emphasizes a symbolic or proportional relationship.

account for the majority of

Focuses on contribution or explanation of the majority.

hold the majority of

Implies possession or control of the majority.

make up most of

More informal and less precise than "make up a majority of".

dominate

Implies a stronger level of control or influence than simply constituting a majority.

predominate

Suggests being the most noticeable or powerful element.

are in the majority

States a simple fact of numerical superiority.

FAQs

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

The phrase "make up a majority of" is used to indicate that a particular group or element constitutes more than half of a larger whole. For instance, "Women "make up a majority of" the student body at this university".

What phrases are similar to "make up a majority of"?

Similar phrases include "constitute the majority of", "form the majority of", or "comprise the majority of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "makes up a majority of"?

No, the correct form is "make up a majority of". The verb "make" should agree in number with the subject. If the subject is singular, you would use "makes up", but in this phrase, the subject is implied to be plural (the elements that form the majority).

What is the difference between "make up a majority of" and "make up most of"?

"Make up a majority of" implies that the group in question constitutes more than 50% of the whole. "Make up most of" is less precise and simply indicates a large portion, without necessarily exceeding half.