a fraction of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fraction of something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate a small part or portion of a larger whole. For example, "Only a fraction of the budget was allocated for marketing." Alternative expressions include "a portion of" and "a small part of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It turns out that winemakers are most interested in a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of something that is quantified in parts per million.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While I loved Steve Toltz's A Fraction of the Whole, Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger was something all together different.

The Guardian - Books

It's better to spend a lot on a getup you love than a fraction of that on something, or even five of those somethings, that you'll never bother to take out of the shopping bag.

The New Yorker

So far it's only good news and validation of the idea that cheap CubeSats could potentially be launched by the dozen to undertake minor science missions at a fraction of the cost of something like InSight.

TechCrunch

If that's the case, biologists are studying a pitifully small fraction of something bigger.

MIT Technology Review

As long as there is a fraction of space to build something on, grassy fields will forever become layered in steel and concrete.

The New York Times

That's just a fraction of his activity on Something Awful, one of the oldest forums on the web and a favorite of Higgins' for more than a decade.

HuffPost

Everyone knows about the 10-kilometer-wide asteroid that helped destroy the dinosaurs, but even something a fraction of that size could devastate humanity, says Michael Rampino, an earth scientist at New York University in New York City.

Science Magazine

But considering the high price of new flagship phones -- especially those that are comparably equipped from the larger manufacturers -- it's nice to know that you can spend a fraction of the price and get something that'll do the job just fine.

Forbes

The challenge was to make something with a fraction of the emotional experience I was having".

The New York Times

It would be ridiculous to think that, in the lower regions of the Lloyds banking group, nobody on a fraction of his £8.5m would impulsively do something, as prohibited by the Antonine Code, that they would be unhappy to tell their colleagues, friends or family about.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fraction of something", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'something' is. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a fraction of something" when referring to something nearly complete or whole. The phrase implies a small portion, so using it inaccurately can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fraction of something" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a small, indefinite part of a larger entity. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples include "a fraction of the cost" or "a fraction of the emotional experience".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fraction of something" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote a small portion of a larger whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appears across various contexts, from News & Media to Academic writing. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the 'something' is well-defined. Be mindful not to misuse it for nearly complete entities, as it implies a small portion. Consider alternatives like "a portion of something" or "a segment of something" for nuanced meanings. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use this phrase to enhance their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a portion of something

Focuses on a part or share of something, emphasizing division.

a segment of something

Highlights a specific section or division within a larger entity.

a piece of something

Emphasizes a single, often detached, part of something larger.

a part of something

A general term indicating a component of a whole.

a share of something

Highlights the idea of distribution or allotment of something.

a slice of something

Suggests a thin or representative portion of something.

a percentage of something

Indicates a proportional part of something, expressed numerically.

a component of something

Focuses on something as a building block or element of a larger system.

an element of something

Stresses something as a basic or essential part of a larger entity.

a subset of something

Indicates something as a smaller, defined group within a larger set.

FAQs

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

Use "a fraction of something" to indicate a small part or portion of a larger whole. For example, "A fraction of the cost was allocated to marketing".

What are some alternatives to "a fraction of something"?

You can use alternatives such as "a portion of something", "a segment of something", or "a piece of something" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a fraction of things" instead of "a fraction of something"?

While grammatically possible, "a fraction of things" is less common and typically used when referring to multiple items or aspects. "A fraction of something" is more generally applicable to a singular entity or concept.

What does "a fraction of something" imply about the size of the portion?

"A fraction of something" implies that the portion being referred to is relatively small compared to the whole. If the portion is substantial, other phrases like "a significant part of" might be more appropriate.