segment of the population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "segment of the population" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular group of people sharing certain characteristics who are identified within a larger population. For example, "Healthcare programs should take into consideration the needs of every segment of the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aborigines constitute the fastest-growing segment of the population.

The New York Times

"These men are such a big segment of the population".

The New Yorker

"But virtually every segment of the population is online today.

The New York Times

A small segment of the population adheres to traditional beliefs.

Britannica

But that doesn't touch a large segment of the population.

Harvard University

That segment of the population just isn't growing that quickly.

Cornell University

Elderly patients are a rapidly expanding segment of the population.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

A small segment of the population follows traditional religions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The trend is clear: Republicans are attracting fewer votes from a growing segment of the population.

The Guardian

This big and growing over-45 segment of the population is also the most affluent.

The New York Times

Providing health care to a vulnerable segment of the population is a legitimate social goal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "segment of the population", be specific about the characteristics that define the segment you are discussing. For example, instead of saying "a segment of the population", specify "the elderly segment of the population" or "the student segment of the population".

Common error

Avoid using "segment of the population" without providing sufficient context. Ensure your audience understands which group you are referring to. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "segment of the population" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific subset within a larger population. Ludwig provides examples showing its versatility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "segment of the population" is a versatile noun phrase used to identify a specific subgroup within a larger population. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, be sure to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "demographic group" or "population subset". Remember that while often interchangeable, the best choice depends on the specific context and the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

population subset

Emphasizes that the group is a smaller part of the whole population.

defined population

Emphasizes the characteristics that make them unique.

demographic group

Focuses on statistical characteristics of the population.

section of society

Highlights the societal context of the group.

particular group

General alternative emphasizing group identity.

portion of the populace

Uses more formal language to describe a segment.

community subgroup

Implies a smaller, more closely-knit division.

fraction of inhabitants

Alternative with a formal style that highlights residency.

specified cohort

Highlights shared experiences or characteristics of people.

category of individuals

Highlights the people more than the segment itself.

FAQs

How can I use "segment of the population" in a sentence?

Use "segment of the population" to refer to a specific subset of people within a larger group. For example, "The study focused on the most vulnerable "segment of the population" during the pandemic".

What are some alternatives to "segment of the population"?

Alternatives include "demographic group", "population subset", or "section of society". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "portion of the population" or "segment of the population"?

"Portion of the population" and "segment of the population" are often interchangeable. However, "segment" often implies a more distinct or defined group, whereas "portion" may simply refer to a quantity or share.

When should I use "demographic" instead of "segment of the population"?

Use "demographic" when you want to highlight the statistical characteristics (age, gender, income, etc.) of the "segment of the population" you're discussing. For example, you might analyze voting patterns by demographic group.