only a minority

USAGE SUMMARY

"only a minority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing a small portion of a larger group. For example: "Only a minority of people who took the survey responded that they were satisfied with the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only a minority questions his sincerity.

The Economist

Only a minority get such permits.

The New York Times

Of these, however, only a minority ever go on trial.

The Economist

Even if only a minority do, this could be costly.

The Economist

But fertility clinics account for only a minority of births.

The New York Times

Only a minority of homes, "pukka" ones, have toilets.

The Economist

For nearly two centuries it was only a minority interest.

The Economist

Only a minority of the public supports NATO membership.

The Economist

Only a minority of such cases come to public attention.

Independent

It's only a minority who somehow can't move on.

The New York Times

Even then, only a minority Conservative government emerged.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only a minority" to accurately represent proportions when a small group differs significantly from the majority. Ensure the context clearly defines the larger group being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "only a minority" when the group in question is actually a substantial portion. Overstating the difference can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a minority" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a limited quantity or proportion within a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its use to single out a smaller segment from a broader population, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only a minority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a small proportion within a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread application across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. While its usage is generally straightforward, writers should be mindful of accurately representing the scale and avoiding overstatements. Alternatives such as "just a fraction" or "a small percentage" can offer nuanced variations. Using "only a minority" effectively involves understanding its communicative purpose: to emphasize the limited number of individuals or items sharing a particular characteristic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a fraction

Emphasizes a very small portion.

a small percentage

Focuses on the numerical aspect of the minority.

a handful

Suggests a very limited number.

a select few

Highlights the chosen or exclusive nature of the small group.

merely a portion

Downplays the significance of the quantity.

a limited number

Emphasizes the restricted quantity.

a tiny segment

Stresses the diminutive size of the group.

scarcely any

Indicates a near absence.

a negligible quantity

Highlights the insignificance of the amount.

an insignificant few

Suggests the limited importance and quantity of the group.

FAQs

How can I use "only a minority" in a sentence?

Use "only a minority" to indicate that a small portion of a larger group shares a particular characteristic or engages in a specific action. For example, "Only a minority of students passed the exam".

What are some alternatives to "only a minority"?

You can use alternatives like "just a fraction", "a small percentage", or "a select few" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "only a minority" or "just a minority"?

Both "only a minority" and "just a minority" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Only" emphasizes exclusivity, while "just" can imply a sense of insignificance.

What's the difference between "only a minority" and "the minority"?

"Only a minority" indicates a small portion of a larger group, whereas "the minority" refers to a specific subgroup, often in opposition to a majority. The article 'the' suggests a defined group, while 'only a' indicates a proportion.