slice of society

USAGE SUMMARY

"slice of society" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a small portion or group of people within a larger society. It can be used to describe a specific demographic, social class, or community within a society. Example: The artist's work captured a unique slice of society in their paintings, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of the working class in the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

That slice of society led the rich-hippie trail to Marrakesh.

The New York Times - Magazine

MR. MILNE at ACNielsen acknowledged that his analyses are based on a tiny slice of society.

The New York Times

We may not need more restaurants, but we do need restaurants run by and for a larger slice of society.

The New York Times - Food

Indeed, the aim of these schools was to prepare a slice of society for blue-collar life.

The New York Times

She managed to create not only a character but a slice of society, maybe even a slice of English life going back a few centuries.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But is there any hard evidence to show that news coverage is preoccupied with the issues and interests of the small slice of society that journalists represent?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The concept was based on a similar organization at Rutgers, the Newark Safer Cities Initiative, which brings together people from different slices of society to fight crime.

The New York Times

Geographically, linguistically, demographically, economically and culturally, the technological revolution has skewed heavily towards a small number of very economically privileged slices of society.

Forbes

In truth, burqas are but one slice of Pakistani society.

The New York Times

The feeling of an enclosed slice of English society, rarely seen in public, was strong.

The Guardian

There may be a slice of British society that thinks it is not done to admit to voting Conservative.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “slice of society” when you want to emphasize that you are discussing a specific, often small or distinct, group of people within a larger population. Be mindful of the connotations; it can sometimes imply that the group is being singled out for a particular reason.

Common error

Avoid using “slice of society” to describe the entire population or a very large group, as it diminishes the phrase's specificity. For example, instead of saying “a slice of society is affected by climate change,” be more specific or use a broader term like “society” or “the population”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slice of society" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It is used to identify a specific segment or subgroup within a larger population or community. Ludwig AI confirms its common use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slice of society" is a noun phrase used to refer to a specific group within a larger population, as indicated by the Ludwig AI analysis. Its grammatical status is correct, and it is commonly used in news and media contexts. The phrase functions to categorize and identify a subgroup, maintaining a generally neutral register. While alternatives such as "segment of the population" or "section of the community" exist, “slice of society” specifically highlights a portion with possible distinct characteristics. When using the phrase, avoid overgeneralization and consider the potential connotations of singling out a particular group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cross-section of society

Implies a representative sample of the entire society.

segment of the population

Focuses on the demographic aspect rather than the social or cultural.

section of the community

Emphasizes the local or communal aspect of the group.

part of the social fabric

Emphasizes the group's contribution to the overall structure of society.

group within society

A more general term that doesn't imply a specific proportion.

stratum of society

Highlights the hierarchical or layered aspect of social groups.

demographic subset

Specifically highlights the statistical characteristics of the group.

fraction of the populace

Focuses on the numerical proportion of the group.

portion of the citizenry

Emphasizes the group's role as members of a state.

contingent of the public

Highlights the group's presence or involvement in public affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "slice of society" in a sentence?

You can use "slice of society" to refer to a specific group within a larger population. For example, "The documentary focused on a marginalized "slice of society" often overlooked by mainstream media."

What's a good alternative to "slice of society"?

Alternatives include "segment of the population", "section of the community", or "group within society". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "slice of society" in formal writing?

Yes, "slice of society" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to specifically highlight a subgroup within the larger population. However, ensure the context doesn't require even more precise or technical terminology.

What is the difference between "cross-section of society" and "slice of society"?

"Cross-section of society" implies a representative sample of the entire population, while "slice of society" simply refers to any specific subgroup, without necessarily being representative. A "cross-section of society" aims to mirror the demographics of the whole, whereas a "slice of society" may be a very specific or non-representative group.