majority are vs majority is

Both 'majority are' and 'majority is' can be correct depending on the context. 'Majority are' is used when referring to a plural noun that the majority represents, while 'majority is' is used when referring to the majority as a singular entity.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1305 views

majority are

This phrase is correct when referring to a plural noun that the majority represents.

Use 'majority are' when the majority is followed by a plural noun. This construction emphasizes the plurality of the noun.

Examples:

The majority are in favor of the new policy.
The majority are students.
The majority are wearing blue shirts.

Show examples from the web [+]

We have found that some such differences still exist, partly because of the forthcoming elections in Slovenia, but that the majority are firmly resolved to continue moving closer to Europe.
More than 30000 people in 23 Romanian localities will be affected by this depository, and the great majority are opposed to the Bulgarian government's plans.
In fact, the majority are cemeteries.
The majority are just little boats like these, which unload each morning on the coasts of Senegal.
In Piedmont (68%) and Lombardy 67%), the majority are women.
Of the circulating metabolites, the majority are glucuronide conjugates of posaconazole with only minor amounts of oxidative (CYP450 mediated) metabolites observed.
Eurobarometer research shows that a majority are in favour of getting rid of one and two euro cent coins.
These reactions are related to the pharmacologic effects of Vectibix, and the majority are mild to moderate in nature with approximately 10% severe (grade 3 or higher, NCI-CTC).
I have visited this country regularly for the last seven years and I know full well that the overwhelming majority are in favour of these government reforms, irrespective of their religious or other affiliations.
The majority are sea creatures, but sometimes, there are animals that fell into the water from the skies above.
Some of his acolytes are very famous people, but... the majority are acolytes anonymous.
And we have a school. This is our bright - we opened [in the] last two years [an] elementary school where we have 850 children, and the majority are women and girls.
The majority are amputees.
Some of the long hauls are a little late rising, but the majority are up and about.
The EMPs took down some of the Hydra forces, but the majority are equipped with shielding that -
Will the Commission condemn the iniquitous situation whereby one section of the community, the travellers, has protected rights that allow them to break laws that the majority are forced to abide by?
Reports that require a qualified majority are usually voted on first.
But truth be told, the majority aren't, not really.
The majority are barely able to get by as it is.
We know that in all these vulnerable groups the majority are women.

Alternatives:

Most are
The majority of them are
The majority of people are
The majority of students are
The majority of voters are

majority is

This phrase is correct when referring to the majority as a singular entity.

Use 'majority is' when the majority is considered as a single unit. This construction treats the majority as a singular noun.