significant majority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant majority" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large amount or size of people, objects, or things. For example: A significant majority of voters voiced their support for the new policy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

By contrast, the Republican Party is viewed unfavorably by a significant majority of Americans.

The New York Times

"A significant majority voted in support of a reform program that was completely advocated, advertised, trumpeted".

The New York Times

But a significant majority of "Nutcracker" fans did not seem to care.

The New York Times - Arts

Opinion polls show a significant majority of Scottish voters want to stay in the EU.

The Guardian

And a significant majority of us find their views abhorrent and almost even barbaric.

The New Yorker

Gordon: The significant majority of healthcare workers, scientists and academics have never received payments from outside commercial interests.

The Guardian

"A significant majority of parents back a ban and it's now time for the government to act".

The Guardian - Money

[Conservation] is something that has to grasp the hearts and minds of a significant majority of people in most nations.

The Guardian

An endorsement of the report with a less than significant majority of the Human Rights Council would be considered weak.

The New York Times

In a significant majority of cases we have been able to reach this through voluntary redundancy or redeployment.

The Guardian

In the event, a significant majority of shareholders voted to support Burrows and he took the chair last November.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant majority", ensure the context clearly indicates what the majority is composed of. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "significant majority" when the actual percentage is only slightly over 50%. Use a more precise description or a weaker term like "slight majority" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant majority" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a large and important portion of a group or quantity. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant majority" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to denote a noticeably large portion of a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and adaptable expression. Predominantly found in news and scientific sources, it carries a neutral tone suitable for various formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject of the majority is well-defined. While interchangeable with phrases like "substantial proportion" or "considerable number", the best fit depends on the specific nuance required. Avoiding overuse in cases of slight majorities is crucial for maintaining precision and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial proportion

This alternative emphasizes the considerable size of the group or quantity.

considerable number

This focuses on the quantity being notably large.

vast number

Highlights an immense quantity or amount.

large fraction

This implies a notable part of a whole.

appreciable quantity

Similar to "considerable number", focusing on the amount.

major segment

Highlights that the group is a key section of the whole.

good many

More informal, suggesting a sizable amount.

dominant share

Indicates that the group constitutes the most influential part.

preponderance

Suggests a heavy weighting or influence due to the large number.

bulk

Implies the main mass or part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "significant majority" in a sentence?

You can use "significant majority" to describe a situation where a large portion of a group agrees or supports something. For example, "A "significant majority" of voters supported the proposal."

What's the difference between "significant majority" and "vast majority"?

"Significant majority" implies a sizable proportion, while "vast majority" suggests an overwhelming proportion. The choice depends on the degree of dominance you want to convey. Consider alternatives like "large majority" or "substantial majority" /s/substantial+majority depending on the needed nuance.

What can I say instead of "significant majority"?

You can use alternatives like "substantial proportion", "considerable number", or "large fraction depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "a significant majority of the people is"?

No, it should be "a "significant majority" of the people are" because "majority" is treated as a plural noun in this context.