a few percent

USAGE SUMMARY

'a few percent' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it anytime you need to refer to a small but non-zero portion of something. For example, "The number of people who support the proposed policy has risen by a few percent in the last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I met a few last week.

The New York Times

"But we saw a few today".

The New Yorker

Even Wayne Chrebet tried a few last week.

The New York Times - Sports

I've made a few this year.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Boal has allowed a few post-1903 featoremain remain.

The New York Times - Arts

Here are a few summer facts about the state.

The New York Times

My friends, we won a few and lost a few today.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, it showed up on quite a few spring runways, looking decidedly adorable.

The New York Times

Others skipped church a few Sundays a month to avoid the awkwardness of having nothing to give.

The New York Times

"This journey is about finding out about people and we found out about a few today".

Independent

And what else? "We'll take a few summer vacations," Pettitte said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few percent", ensure the context clearly defines what the percentage is referring to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a few percent" when a more precise figure is available; vague language can undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few percent" functions as a quantifier, specifying a small, indefinite proportion of a whole. It indicates an amount greater than zero, but not substantial.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few percent" serves as a quantifier indicating a small but non-zero proportion. Ludwig AI confirms it’s a perfectly acceptable phrase. While grammatically sound and generally understood, its effectiveness relies heavily on context and audience. The absence of examples suggests that while valid, its usage may not be extensively documented in the analyzed corpus. When a precise figure is known, prefer using a specific percentage; otherwise, ensure the context clarifies what the "few percent" refers to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a few percent

Adds "just" for emphasis on the limited quantity.

a small percentage

Replaces "few" with "small", maintaining the emphasis on a limited proportion.

a small number of percent

Adds "number of" to clarify the percentage is small in numerical value.

a handful of percent

Substitutes "few" with "handful", implying a small, easily countable amount.

a modest proportion

Uses "modest proportion" to indicate a relatively small and humble amount.

a tiny fraction

Uses "tiny fraction" to denote a very small part of the whole, instead of specifying a percentage.

a fraction of a percent

Highlights that the amount is even smaller than a single percentage point.

a minimal portion

Replaces "few percent" with "minimal portion", highlighting the insignificance of the amount.

a slight amount

Focuses on the small quantity by using "slight amount" instead of a specific percentage.

a negligible quantity

Emphasizes that the amount is so small it can be disregarded.

FAQs

How can I use "a few percent" in a sentence?

You can use "a few percent" to describe a small increase or decrease, as in: "The company's profits increased by a few percent this quarter."

What's a more formal way to say "a few percent"?

More formal alternatives include "a small percentage" or "a marginal proportion" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a few percent" or a specific percentage?

It depends on the context. If you have precise data, use the specific percentage. If you only have a general idea or the exact figure is unimportant, "a few percent" is acceptable.

What are some similar phrases to "a few percent" that I can use to vary my writing?

Alternatives include phrases like "a small fraction", "a minor portion", or "a slight increase".