Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

A small majority

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small majority" is a valid phrase in English and can be used in written English
For example, "The board of directors voted in favor of the new plan with a small majority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've got a small majority.

News & Media

The Guardian

They are, by a small majority, male.

They might even sneak a small majority.

News & Media

The Guardian

History is confounded as both Jims win a small majority.

In the event, the Tories won a small majority.

News & Media

The Guardian

A small majority of the people are Roman Catholic.

A Tory government with a small majority would have been trapped by its own parliamentary extremists.

The pro-subway forces in the legislature gained a small majority.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The governing March 14 coalition has a small majority in Parliament.

News & Media

The New York Times

It revealed that a small majority, 51.0 per cent, of all BBC hires were internal applicants.

News & Media

The Guardian

But recent polling has shown a small majority in favour of marriage equality.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a small majority" with a specific number or percentage, e.g., "a small majority of 51%", whenever possible.

⚠ Common error

Avoid portraying "a small majority" as a decisive victory. Acknowledge the limited support and potential for opposing viewpoints to gain traction.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

A small majority functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, often votes, people, or opinions. It specifies the size or extent of the majority, indicating that it is not substantial. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers examples of its use in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

⚠ Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small majority" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation where one side has a slight advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's frequently used in news, science, and wiki contexts to convey that, while one option prevailed, the margin was not substantial. Related phrases, such as ""a slight majority"" or ""a narrow majority"", offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential implications of the narrow margin and avoid overstating its significance. Specify percentages when possible to improve clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "a small majority" in a sentence?

You can use "a small majority" to describe a situation where one side has a slight advantage, for example, "The proposal passed with "a small majority" of votes".

What's the difference between "a small majority" and "a large majority"?

"A small majority" indicates a narrow margin of victory, while "a large majority" signifies a substantial and decisive win. The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of difference between the winning and losing sides.

What are some alternatives to saying "a small majority"?

Alternatives include "a slight majority", "a narrow majority", or "a slim majority", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a small majority" or specify the exact percentage?

Using "a small majority" is appropriate for general descriptions. However, specifying the exact percentage provides greater precision and clarity, especially in formal or analytical contexts. E.g. “The group voted with "a small majority" of 51%”.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: