the majority

USAGE SUMMARY

'the majority' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a greater part or number of a group of people or things. For example: The majority of voters favored the new proposition.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Christians represent the majority.

The New Yorker

"The majority of I.T.U.

The New York Times - Tech

But the majority succeed.

The New York Times

Not the majority".

The New York Times - Sports

The majority perished.

Independent

The majority are women.

The Guardian

The majority is Sunni.

The New York Times

The majority will not.

The New Yorker

They are the majority".

The New York Times - Books

We are the majority.

Independent

I'm with the majority.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the majority", ensure it's clear what group you are referring to. For example, "The majority of students prefer online learning" is clearer than simply stating "The majority prefer online learning".

Common error

Avoid using "the majority" without specifying the group being referenced. Unclear antecedents can confuse readers and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the majority" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a quantity greater than half of a defined group. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the majority" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that refers to more than half of a group. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While it maintains a neutral register, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying the group being referenced. Related phrases such as "most people" or "the greater part" can offer stylistic alternatives. By avoiding vague references and ensuring contextual clarity, you can effectively leverage "the majority" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most people

Replaces "majority" with a direct reference to people, simplifying the language.

most of the people

Similar to "most people" but specifies a group more explicitly.

the greater part

Uses a more formal and descriptive term to indicate the larger portion.

the bulk

Refers to the main mass or volume, suitable when discussing quantities.

the predominance

Highlights the state of being prevalent or dominant.

the better part

Emphasizes that the bigger, usually more important part, is being referred to.

the lion's share

An idiomatic expression indicating the largest portion or part.

the preponderance

Indicates a superiority in weight, force, or influence.

a significant portion

Highlights that the quantity being referred to is impactful and noteworthy.

the prevailing number

Focuses on the quantity that is currently most common or widespread.

FAQs

What does "the majority" mean?

The phrase "the majority" refers to more than half of a group. It signifies that a greater number or part of a whole shares a particular characteristic or opinion.

How do I use "the majority" in a sentence?

You can use "the majority" to describe the prevailing opinion or characteristic within a group. For example: "The majority of students prefer coffee over tea."

What can I say instead of "the majority"?

You can use alternatives like "most people", "the greater part", or "most of the people" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "majority of people" or "the majority of people"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the majority of people" is generally preferred because it implies a specific group is being considered, whereas "majority of people" is more general.