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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Why one but not the other?
Please help.
1. When does it make a difference when using the phrase "a majority of" and "the majority of"? I might well be mistaken, but in most sentential situations, both phrases can be used interchangeably without changing the intended meaning of the sentences.
In an earlier survey, a majority of (the majority of?) the panel found this to be unacceptable.
2. When do we use the phrase "the town" and the word "town"?
He went to the town (to town?) to buy the gifts yesterday.
He went to the town (to town?) to shop for the lastest-fashion clothes yesterday.
3. Why do we use the presposition "on" in one sentence and not in the other below (if they are correct)?
He teaches on eschatology in seminary.
He teaches math in university.
1. When does it make a difference when using the phrase "a majority of" and "the majority of"? I might well be mistaken, but in most sentential situations, both phrases can be used interchangeably without changing the intended meaning of the sentences.
In an earlier survey, a majority of (the majority of?) the panel found this to be unacceptable.
2. When do we use the phrase "the town" and the word "town"?
He went to the town (to town?) to buy the gifts yesterday.
He went to the town (to town?) to shop for the lastest-fashion clothes yesterday.
3. Why do we use the presposition "on" in one sentence and not in the other below (if they are correct)?
He teaches on eschatology in seminary.
He teaches math in university.
Top answer
Anonymous 1. When does it make a difference when using the phrase "a majority of" and "the majority of"? I might well be mistaken, but in most sentential situations, both phrases can be used interchangeably without changing the intended meaning of the sentences.
- Anonymous 1.
- When does it make a difference when using the phrase "a majority of" and "the majority of"?
- I might well be mistaken, but in most sentential situations, both phrases can be used interchangeably without changing the intended meaning of the sentences.
- ) the panel found this to be unacceptable.
- Personally I use "the majority" in this situation, but I see nothing ungrammatical about substituting "a majority".
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3 Answers
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Anonymous1. When does it make a difference when using the phrase "a majority of" and "the majority of"? I might well be mistaken, but in most sentential situations, both phrases can be used interchangeably without changing the intended meaning of the sentences.
In an earlier survey, a majority of (the majority of?) the panel found this to be unacceptable.
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AnonymousIn an earlier survey, a majority of (the majority of?) the panel found this to be unacceptable.In many cases they're used interchangeably.
I take "a majority" as a mathmatical result, as in "a simple majority." (We would not say "the simple majority.")
I take "the majority" as a group of people, as in "the majority showed up wearing cam
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