most students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most students" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a majority of students, for example, "Most students at the school perform well on their exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most students had basic proficiency.

The New York Times

Most students go to parties there.

The New York Times

Most students come for a few months.

The New York Times - Sports

"Most students stay late.

The Guardian

Most students were spoilt for career choice.

The Economist

Nevertheless, most students attend state-run universities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Most students aren't".

The New York Times

Most students go to university in Denmark.

The Economist

Most students go back to the mainland.

The Economist

Which questions did most students get right?

The New York Times

Do most students live on campus?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most students", ensure the context clearly defines the specific group of students you are referring to. For example, "Most students in this class prefer group projects."

Common error

Avoid using "most students" to make sweeping generalizations about all students everywhere. Specify the population you are discussing to ensure accuracy and avoid misleading claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most students" functions as a determiner followed by a plural noun. It specifies that a majority of individuals within a defined group of students are being referred to. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most students" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a majority within a student body. As Ludwig highlights, its applications span numerous fields, including news, academia, and scientific research. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overgeneralization and specify the student group you're referencing. Alternatives such as "the majority of students" or "a large number of students" can provide nuance depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for discussing trends and experiences within student populations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the majority of students

Replaces "most" with "the majority of", emphasizing a proportion greater than 50%.

a large number of students

Focuses on the quantity of students rather than the proportion.

a significant portion of students

Highlights the importance or impact of the student group being referred to.

a considerable number of students

Similar to "a large number", emphasizing quantity but with a slightly more formal tone.

the bulk of students

Emphasizes the size or mass of the student population.

the greater part of students

A more formal and slightly archaic way of saying "most students".

the predominant student body

Focuses on the most influential or noticeable part of the student population.

the mass of students

Emphasizes the sheer size or volume of the student group.

many students

A less specific way of indicating a substantial number of students.

a good deal of students

Informal way of saying many or a lot of students.

FAQs

How can I use "most students" in a sentence?

You can use "most students" to indicate that a majority of students within a specific group share a particular characteristic or opinion. For example, "Most students find the first year of college challenging."

What is a good alternative to "most students"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the majority of students", "a large number of students", or "many students".

Is it more appropriate to say "most students" or "the majority of students"?

Both "most students" and "the majority of students" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "The majority of students" may sound slightly more formal, while "most students" is more common in everyday language.

What should I avoid when using the phrase "most students"?

Avoid making broad, unsupported generalizations. Ensure that your statement is based on evidence or observation and clearly specifies the group of students you are referring to. For instance, instead of saying "most students are lazy", specify "Most students in the introductory course struggle with time management."