significantly outnumber

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'significantly outnumber' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one group or number far exceeds another. For example, "The number of cats significantly outnumbered the dogs in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But, in sub-Saharan Africa, western Asia and southern Asia, boys still significantly outnumber girls in class.

The Guardian

Of course, the troops gathered in this battle on the side of immediate accessibility significantly outnumber the fighters in the opposing camp.

The Guardian - Books

Students significantly outnumber staff members in all higher education institutions (HEIs), with variability between the different types of universities, for example, research intensive compared to teaching led.

The Guardian

But the organisers of what is billed as a one-off counter-protest say they expect to significantly outnumber the vigil, noting that more than 600 people have signed up on Facebook to attend the pro-choice event.

The Guardian

The real boost in results came when girls significantly outnumber boys; the researchers did not find a case for mixed schools per se, and certainly not when the girls are in the minority.

The Guardian

Their mass exodus is often decried by Egyptian women, who feel that they have been abandoned; it is common to be told that women significantly outnumber men (even though statistics don't support this).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Nina found herself significantly outnumbered in her opposition, because Joanna Lumley didn't attend the final judging.

The Guardian - Books

In some months this year, Mr. McFarland added, female users have significantly outnumbered their male counterparts.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Campbell was far from the only man in the crowd, but in Bloomington and elsewhere, the men were significantly outnumbered.

The New York Times

His spokesman, Erik Smith, said that was because his vote was rarely decisive in the House, where Democrats are significantly outnumbered.

The New York Times

Soon after, most of the opponents, who significantly outnumbered the supporters, marched out, calling on the task force to resign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significantly outnumber", ensure that the comparison is clear and the magnitude of the difference is relevant to your point. For example, instead of saying 'Dogs significantly outnumber cats', specify 'In this shelter, dogs significantly outnumber cats, making focused cat adoption programs essential'.

Common error

Avoid using "significantly outnumber" without specifying what is being compared. For example, saying 'The supporters significantly outnumbered' lacks context. Instead, provide clear context: 'The supporters of the proposal significantly outnumbered the protesters'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significantly outnumber" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating that one group or quantity is substantially larger than another. It emphasizes a notable numerical disparity, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "significantly outnumber" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase to express that one group or quantity is substantially larger than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and applicable in various contexts. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science, indicating a formal or neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the comparison and avoid vague statements. Consider related phrases like "greatly exceed in number" for conveying similar meanings. The phrase is suitable for formal writing and is useful for highlighting imbalances in quantities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatly exceed in number

Emphasizes the magnitude of the difference in numbers, focusing on one group being much larger than the other.

vastly surpass in quantity

Highlights a large margin in terms of quantity, suggesting a considerable disparity.

outweigh by a large margin

Highlights a substantial difference, emphasizing that one quantity exceeds the other by a significant amount.

far outstrip in count

Suggests a rapid or substantial increase in one group's numbers compared to another.

considerably exceed in population

Focuses on the difference in population size, implying a notable demographic imbalance.

substantially dwarf in size

Emphasizes the relatively small size of one group compared to the significantly larger size of another.

markedly predominate in number

Highlights the dominance of one group in terms of numerical presence.

noticeably outweigh in total

Focuses on the overall total or weight of one group being significantly greater than another.

tower above in headcount

Uses a visual metaphor to illustrate a large difference in headcount or personnel.

massively prevail in quantity

Suggests a dominant and overwhelming presence of one group in terms of quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "significantly outnumber" in a sentence?

Use "significantly outnumber" to describe situations where one group or quantity is much larger than another. For instance, "In this election, urban voters "significantly outnumber" rural voters".

What phrases are similar to "significantly outnumber"?

Alternatives include "greatly exceed in number", "vastly surpass in quantity", or "far outstrip in count". Choose based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "significantly outnumber" in formal writing?

Yes, "significantly outnumber" is appropriate for formal writing. It is commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and business documents to describe substantial differences in quantities or numbers.

What's the difference between "significantly outnumber" and "slightly outnumber"?

"Significantly outnumber" indicates a large difference in quantity, while "slightly outnumber" suggests only a small difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to emphasize.