a fraction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fraction of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to a small part or portion of something. For example, "I only need a fraction of the ingredients to make this cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He used only a fraction of them.

The New Yorker

Zimbabwe is at a fraction of capacity.

The New York Times

Though but a fraction of the weight.

The New Yorker

It's a fraction of what it was.

The New York Times

Cowell is worth a fraction of that.

The Guardian - Business

A fraction of the time, in fact".

The Guardian - Tech

Australia has a fraction of that.

The Guardian - Sport

Consider just a fraction of what transpired.

The Guardian - Opinion

I admired only a fraction of his.

The New Yorker

But we are talking here about a fraction of a fraction of enough.

The Guardian

Obviously that's a fraction of Dior's output.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fraction of", be mindful of the context. It often implies that the remaining part is more significant or important than the fraction itself.

Common error

Avoid using "a fraction of" when the portion is actually quite substantial. The phrase suggests a relatively small amount; using it for a large part can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fraction of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a partitive, modifying a noun to indicate that only a small portion or part of that noun is being considered. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fraction of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a small portion of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is versatile enough for various registers, although it predominantly appears in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the scale aligns with the intended meaning – it should genuinely represent a minor portion. Consider alternatives like "a portion of" or "a small percentage of" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a part of

A more general term indicating any portion of a whole.

a portion of

Implies a specific amount or share, often a measured quantity.

a segment of

Suggests a distinct part or section of something larger.

a share of

Indicates a proportional part belonging to someone or something.

a piece of

Refers to a part that has been separated or broken off.

some of

Indicates an unspecified quantity, but less precise than "a fraction of".

a minority of

Emphasizes that the portion is relatively small compared to the whole.

a small percentage of

More quantitatively precise, specifying a small proportion.

a smattering of

Suggests a small and scattered amount.

a handful of

Indicates a very small quantity, easily held in one hand.

FAQs

How can I use "a fraction of" in a sentence?

You can use "a fraction of" to indicate a small portion of something. For instance, "Only "a fraction of" the applicants were selected for the interview".

What's a good substitute for "a fraction of"?

Alternatives include "a portion of", "a segment of", or "a small percentage of", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a fraction of"?

While grammatically correct, "a fraction of" is most appropriate when referring to a relatively small amount. Using it for a significant portion may be misleading.

What's the difference between "a fraction of" and "a majority of"?

"A fraction of" implies a small part, whereas "a majority of" implies more than half. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of quantity.