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!
Your Free Month of English Plus Premium Awaits!
Discover the best of English learning with English Plus Premium—and enjoy your first month on us! No strings attached, no hidden fees. Sign up below and gain access to exclusive podcast episodes, in-depth learning resources, premium activities and much more!
0 Comments