A/the majority of vs. a minority of

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
#1

Hi,

I am curious about such as:

  1. The/a majority of farmers…; but
  2. A minority of farmers…

“*The minority of farmer” would sound funny.

Is it because “majority” gives a sense of ‘oneness’ whereas “minority” is lack of it so that the former can take “the” but the latter cannot?

Thank you!

#2

Hi, Haihao. Welcome back. I’ve missed you. :slight_smile:

It’s not that “minority” cannot take the definite article, but I think you have probably come close to the reason it doesn’t feel as natural.

#3

Hello Haihao,

I have no advice to add to Mordant’s answer - I just wanted to say ‘welcome back’ too!

#4

Hi Haihao,

That’s life - (the) minority always gives way to the majority. I think we use the definite article more with ‘minority’ when it is qualified as in: The select minority of this community usually takes the moral high ground.

Alan

Alan

#5

Thank you so very much, Mordant, BN, and Alan! It’s really great to see your comments again and ‘meet’ you again!!