Steering Clear of “Majority” Mistakes
“Majority” seems like a simple word, but it frequently trips up English speakers. The core issue is whether to treat it as a singular or plural noun. Let’s break down the common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: “Majority of” Confusion
People often say or write things like:
- “The majority of the students was absent today.” (Incorrect)
Why it’s wrong: While “majority” implies a large portion of a group, it’s technically a singular noun. “Was” is a singular verb and doesn’t agree.
Correction: “The majority of the students were absent today.”
Mistake #2: Indecision Between “Is” and “Are”
Consider these sentences:
- “The majority of voters are in favor of the proposition.” (Correct)
- “A majority is enough to win the election.” (Correct)
Why it gets tricky: “Majority” can be confusing because it can refer to either a collection of individuals (plural) or a single overarching group (singular).
The fix: Focus on what you mean: * If you’re emphasizing the individuals within the group, use “are.”
* If you’re referring to the group as a single unit, use “is.”
More Examples:
- “The majority of my family are vegetarian.” (Individuals within the family)
- “The majority of the pie is gone!” (The pie as a single thing)
Additional Notes:
- In formal writing, “the majority” is often preferred over “a majority.”
- When “majority” is modified by words like “small,” “large,” or “clear,” it’s easier to treat as plural (“A large majority of people agree…”).
The Takeaway
With a little attention, you can master the nuances of “majority.” Remember these tips:
- “Majority of…” is followed by a plural verb.
- Decide if you intend “majority” to signify a group or its individual members.
By keeping these guidelines in mind, you’ll ensure your use of “majority” is both accurate and confident!
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