How to Use “Majority” Correctly?

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Majority is a noun that can be either singular or plural. Use a plural verb after ’majority’ when you mean a collection of individuals; use a singular verb after ‘majority’ when you refer to it as a group.

Here are some examples:

Majority as Singular

  • In the trial of all capital offences a majority of the court, at least, is required to be present.
  • Any majority holds to the right of direct State interference at State discretion.
  • A majority of the people elects the House of Representatives, but it does not elect the Senate.

Majority as Plural

  • The vast majority of prostitutes have been driven to that terrible fate by economic causes outside their control.
  • That a great majority of her people are opposed to the tariff laws, is doubtless true.
  • A great majority of the people are satisfied with the bank as it is, and desirous that it should be continued.

Remember that majority should only be used to refer to a number of things or people (i.e. countable nouns), but not to an amount (i.e. uncountable nouns). Examine these sentences:

  • Incorrect: Vicky ate majority of the cake I bought for Ana.
  • Correct: Vicky ate most of the cake I bought for Ana.
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