the majority of them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the majority of them' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: The majority of them voted in favor of the new proposal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The majority of them are white.

The New Yorker

The majority of them were rejected immediately".

The Guardian

The majority of them respond to sweet".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The majority of them are women and children.

The Guardian

The majority of them were OK with it".

The Guardian - Sport

(Anomaly or not, the majority of them support him).

The New Yorker

"The majority of them are back in their homes.

The New York Times

"The majority of them find that very offensive," says Feinberg.

The Guardian - Film

The majority of them had never touched a gun before.

The New Yorker

The majority of them don't have publicly available information".

The New York Times

And of course the majority of them have written books.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the majority of them", ensure the context clearly defines the group being referred to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your audience understands which set of items or people you are discussing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "the majority of them" implies unanimity. Even if most members of a group share a characteristic, be mindful that there may still be significant exceptions or dissenting opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the majority of them" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying that a particular group, previously identified, is being referred to in terms of its larger part. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides ample examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the majority of them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that most members of a defined group share a specific trait or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal writing. To ensure clear and effective communication, it is crucial to define the group being referenced and to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "most of them" for less formal contexts. By understanding the nuances and best practices, you can confidently incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most of them

A shorter and more direct way of expressing the same idea. It maintains the same meaning but with fewer words.

the vast majority of them

Emphasizes that the majority is overwhelmingly large.

the greater part of them

Emphasizes that the portion being referred to is significant, focusing on the substantial portion of the group.

a large proportion of them

Highlights the size of the group being discussed, stressing that many members are included.

the bulk of them

Implies the main or largest component, focusing on volume or size rather than simple count.

the preponderance of them

Indicates a significant weight or influence in numbers, suggesting dominance.

the lion's share of them

Suggests that a large, often disproportionate, part belongs to someone or something, emphasizing the unequal distribution.

almost all of them

Indicates near completeness, suggesting a very high percentage is included.

a good many of them

Suggests a substantial number, though potentially less than a clear majority.

most all of them

A less formal way of saying "almost all", indicating that nearly everyone or everything is included.

FAQs

How can I use "the majority of them" in a sentence?

You can use "the majority of them" to indicate that most members of a particular group share a specific characteristic or trait. For example, "The majority of students passed the exam".

What are some alternatives to "the majority of them"?

Alternatives include "most of them", "a large proportion of them", or "the greater part of them", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "the majority of them" or "most of them"?

"The majority of them" is generally considered more formal than "most of them". Choose the phrasing that best fits the tone and audience of your writing.

When should I use "the majority of them" versus "a majority of them"?

"The majority of them" refers to a specific, previously defined group, whereas "a majority of them" refers to a non-specific or less clearly defined group. For example, "The committee members voted, and the majority of them approved the proposal" implies a known committee, while "A majority of voters supported the candidate" implies a general group of voters.