a fraction of the number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fraction of the number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a portion or subset of a larger quantity or total. Example: "Only a fraction of the number of participants completed the survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In fact, the 11 varieties we found represent only a fraction of the number of basils.

The New York Times - Food

If he had, we would have a fraction of the number of Rembrandts we have now.

The Guardian - Arts

And we know that the people who report is just a fraction of the number of people who experience it.

The Guardian

Trains run from here to downtown Los Angeles, but they carry a fraction of the number of people who cram the roads at rush hour.

The New York Times

Recent years have seen a fraction of the number of holidaying Sheiks coming to burn money on luxury goods and illicit pleasures.

The Guardian

Specialized analog equipment fills a warren of rooms, but demand is dwindling and the dozen employees constitute a fraction of the number of workers in the 1980's.

The New York Times

We do all this without having an IT department and with a fraction of the number of people we would have needed a decade ago.

The Guardian

More than 25,000 unaccompanied children lodged asylum applications in 77 countries last year, a fraction of the number of displaced minors across the globe.

The Guardian

However with only a fraction of the number of subscribers Murdoch envisioned to make it a success, The Daily was unsustainable.

The Guardian

"The shares we have shorted are a fraction of the number of shares short," the statement said.

The New York Times

With so much data available on the Internet, Mr. Ingrassia said, The Times produces only a fraction of the number of earnings articles it used to publish.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fraction of the number of", ensure the context clearly establishes what the larger number represents to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a fraction of the number of registered voters" instead of just "a fraction of the number".

Common error

Avoid using "a fraction of the number of" without providing any context or comparison, as this can make your statement vague and meaningless. Always relate the fraction to a specific total or point of reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fraction of the number of" functions as a determiner phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase specifies a quantity that is less than the total. It modifies a noun, indicating a smaller portion of a larger group or amount. Examples on Ludwig shows this is frequently used to compare quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fraction of the number of" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a smaller portion of a total quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as a determiner phrase, providing context to the amount or quantity being referenced. It's used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business, with a neutral formality. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its broad applicability in conveying relative proportions. When using this phrase, it's important to provide a clear reference to the total quantity to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small percentage of the total

Quantifies the fraction as a percentage, emphasizing the smallness of the portion.

a minority of the count

Highlights the smaller group in contrast to the majority.

only a portion of the amount

Focuses on the limited quantity rather than the numerical relationship.

a limited quantity of the sum

Emphasizes the restriction in the amount available from a total.

a reduced part of the figure

Suggests that the original amount has been diminished.

a mere segment of the aggregate

Implies insignificance due to the small size of the segment.

an insignificant section of the whole

Highlights that the part being referenced is negligible compared to the whole.

just a fragment of the entirety

Conveys that what is being discussed is incomplete and only a small piece of something bigger.

a trickle compared to the flood

Uses metaphorical language to illustrate the smallness of the fraction in comparison to a larger flow.

a drop in the ocean of

Emphasizes that the fraction is so small it's almost unnoticeable within a vast quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "a fraction of the number of" to indicate a smaller portion of a total quantity. For example, "Only "a fraction of the number of" applicants were selected for the interview."

What are some alternatives to using "a fraction of the number of"?

You can use alternatives like "a small percentage of the total", "a minority of the count", or "only a portion of the amount" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a fraction of the number of" or "a portion of the number of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a fraction of the number of" is more specific when discussing numerical quantities, while "a portion of the number of" may be used more broadly. The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

How does "a fraction of the number of" compare to "the majority of"?

"A fraction of the number of" indicates a smaller portion, while "the majority of" indicates a larger portion, typically more than half. They are antonyms in the context of describing proportions.