substantial minority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial minority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant portion of a group that does not constitute a majority, often in discussions about opinions, demographics, or voting. Example: "A substantial minority of the population expressed dissatisfaction with the new policy during the survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a substantial minority do not.

The Economist

A substantial minority, however (23%), did not meet A2 criteria.

Psychiatry Research

But a substantial minority, 42percenttookook the opposite view.

The New York Times

A substantial minority of radiographically defined cervical spine injuries are of little clinical importance.

Annals of Emergency Medicine

A substantial minority of Lauderhill's population hails from the West Indies, a cricket hotbed.

The New York Times - Sports

The fund management division of Prudential was in a substantial minority.

The Guardian - Business

There are now a substantial minority of Britons who favour a republic.

The Guardian

General Re said it would keep a substantial minority stake in General Re Securities.

The New York Times

A substantial minority of parents "foster a rebellious attitude in their children", he added.

The Guardian

When a substantial minority votes on a smaller party line, elected officials get the message.

The New York Times

A substantial minority of Ulster Unionists has resisted Mr. Trimble's peacemaking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial minority", ensure the context clarifies what larger group they are a minority of. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid implying that a "substantial minority" holds more power or influence than they actually do. While their views may be important, accurately represent their impact relative to the majority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial minority" functions as a noun phrase that quantifies a portion of a larger group. It specifies that while the group is not the majority, its size or influence is significant. Ludwig AI indicates that is a phrase commonly found in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial minority" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a significant portion of a group that does not constitute a majority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. When using this phrase, it's important to clarify the larger group being referenced to ensure clarity and avoid overstating the minority's influence. Alternatives such as "significant fraction" or "considerable portion" can be used to add nuance or emphasis depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant fraction

Replaces "minority" with "fraction", emphasizing the proportional aspect.

considerable portion

Substitutes "substantial" with "considerable" and "minority" with "portion", offering a more descriptive alternative.

notable segment

Uses "notable" to highlight the importance of the segment, rather than just its size.

appreciable number

Focuses on the quantity, suggesting the number is large enough to be noticed.

sizeable contingent

Employs "sizeable" and "contingent" to imply an organized or distinct group within a larger whole.

marked proportion

Uses "marked" to emphasize the distinctiveness of the proportion.

large subset

Replaces "minority" with the mathematical term "subset", implying a defined group within a larger set.

respectable share

Suggests the minority holds a share that warrants respect or attention.

meaningful section

Highlights the importance and relevance of the section being discussed.

significant undergroup

A more formal term emphasizing the subordinate position of the group within the larger whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial minority" to indicate that a significant portion of a group holds a particular view or characteristic, without representing a majority. For example, "A "substantial minority" of voters opposed the new legislation".

What are some alternatives to saying "substantial minority"?

Alternatives include "significant fraction", "considerable portion", or "notable segment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "significant minority" or "substantial minority"?

"Significant minority" and "substantial minority" are largely interchangeable. However, "substantial" may subtly emphasize the size or impact of the minority, while "significant" highlights its importance or relevance.

Can "substantial minority" refer to numbers or just opinions?

Yes, "substantial minority" can refer to both numerical quantities and opinions. For example, it could describe a percentage of a population or a group of people holding a specific belief.