uk
enMajority and Minority
| When majority/minority mean an unspecified number and is not followed by a plural noun more often a singular verb is used: |
- The majority holds no strong views.
- A small minority indicates it supports the proposal.
- Majority vote of 75% is required from shareholders for the plan to go ahead.
- When majority/minority mean a specific percentage, you may use either a singular or a plural verb:
- A 75% majority have/has voted against the measure.
- A 10% minority are/is opposed to the measure.
- When majority/minority refers to a specified set of persons, use a plural verb:
- A majority of Canadians have voted for change.
- A minority of the students are willing to pay more.
- The majority of my patients come to me from out of town…
- The vast majority of our cheeses are made with pasteurized milk.
- The majority of people interviewed prefer TV to radio.
- The majority of holiday flights depart and arrive on schedule.
