most people

USAGE SUMMARY

"most people" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a large percentage of people, for example: "Most people prefer to work from home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most people aren't entrepreneurs.

The New York Times

Most people don't remember.

Independent

Most people don't.

The New York Times

Most people went��� 1.

The New Yorker

Most people have bulbs.

The New York Times

Most people supported Neal.

Independent

But most people won't.

The New Yorker

Most people stayed home.

The New York Times

Because most people do".

The New York Times - Travel

Because most people don't".

Independent

Most people don't vote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broad audience, use "most people" to convey widely held beliefs or common behaviors. It is easily understood and relatable.

Common error

Avoid using "most people" to make sweeping statements without supporting evidence. Instead, provide specific examples or data to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

"Most people" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a plural noun, serving as the subject of a sentence or clause. It indicates a general or widespread characteristic, belief, or action within a population. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is used appropriately across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "most people" is a common and generally accepted way to refer to a majority of individuals, as verified by Ludwig. It functions as a determiner phrase indicating widespread traits or opinions. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralizations by ensuring claims are supported by evidence. Ludwig examples reveal it's prevalent in news, media and informal contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "the majority of individuals" or more precise quantitative descriptions. By avoiding overly broad statements when you use "most people", you can make your writing more precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the vast majority

This alternative emphasizes that the group of people is very large.

a majority of the population

This alternative emphasizes a quantitative measurement of the people being referenced.

the majority of individuals

This alternative is a more formal and precise way of saying "most people", often used in academic or professional contexts.

the bulk of the population

This alternative suggests that the majority makes up a large portion of the population being discussed.

the average person

This alternative focuses on what is typical or common among people, rather than strictly the majority.

the greater number

This alternative emphasizes a contrast between two groups, indicating which is larger.

a large number of people

This alternative emphasizes the quantity of people, without necessarily implying a majority.

the general public

This alternative refers to people as a collective group, often in the context of public opinion or behavior.

the population at large

This alternative refers to all the people in a particular area or group.

common people

This alternative refers to ordinary people, in contrast to those in positions of power or influence.

FAQs

How do I use "most people" in a sentence?

"Most people" is used to indicate a majority opinion or behavior, such as in the sentence, "Most people enjoy summer."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "most people"?

You can use alternatives like "the majority of individuals", "the average person", or "the general public" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to always use "most people" to describe general trends?

While "most people" is commonly used to represent general trends, it's essential to ensure the statement is supported by evidence. Otherwise, it can lead to overgeneralizations. Use it when you are sure it's representative of reality.

When is it better to avoid using the phrase "most people"?

Avoid using "most people" when discussing sensitive or controversial topics where generalizations could be harmful or inaccurate. In such cases, it's best to provide specific data or context.