The majority of...

Question

I read than in most cases 'A majority of' will be followed by an 'are' and vice versa for 'The majority of'

So, is are these correct?

'The majority of them is going'

'The majority of people likes to watch TV'

I'm really unsure about 'likes' in here.

Thanks

Buddhaheart · Accepted Answer

'The majority (= most) of them are *is going.'

'The majority (= most) of people like *likes to watch TV.'

Spides · Answer

When "a" majority is used, it refers to a group of people acting as one, as in "A majority of them is going."  So we are thinking of "majority" as singular--one group.  When we write about "the" majority, we are thinking of a group of people acting as individuals, so we are thinking of "majority" as plural.  In this case we would write, "The majority of people like to watch TV."

CalifJim · Answer

There is no difference in the agreement rules whether you use "a majority of" or "the majority of". These expressions are almost always followed by a plural noun and a plural verb, thus:

The majority of Americans believe ...
A majority of Brazilians say ...
The majority of students think ...

Once in a great while you will find these expressions followed by a singular noun and a singular verb, thus:

The majority of the population is Hispanic.
A majority of the Senate is voting for the measure.

You can't go wrong if you always make the agreement between the noun that follows majority of and the verb.

The majority of them are going.
The majority of people like to watch TV.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

The majority of them are going.
The majority of people like watching tv.
Most people = majority of people
So...
Most people are going.
Most people like watching tv.

I hope that helps.

The majority of...

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions