a fraction shy of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fraction shy of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is slightly less than a whole number or a specific amount. Example: "The project is a fraction shy of completion, but we expect to finish it by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Still, that is just a fraction shy of the amount necessary to produce physical dependency in a habitual drinker, child or adult, some scientists say.

The New York Times

Hugh Grant is just a fraction shy of joining "Two and a Half Men".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Male sterilisation rates are a fraction of those of women.

The Guardian

It is a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a part of a much deeper truth.

Vice

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

The Guardian

"Our company's a fraction of the size of those".

The New York Times

It's a fraction of a fraction of their revenue stream.

TechCrunch

Is it a fraction of the film for a fraction of the price?

Vice

Ever since, the C.D.C. has shied away from financing research focused on firearms, and firearms researchers say that the amount of money available for this work has dwindled to a fraction of what it used to be.

The New York Times

A few bricks shy of a load.

The New York Times

He used only a fraction of them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fraction shy of" when you want to emphasize the proximity to a whole number or a specific, often desired, amount. It subtly conveys that the target was nearly achieved.

Common error

While "a fraction shy of" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Simpler alternatives like "just under" or "slightly less than" often provide greater clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fraction shy of" functions as a qualifier, typically used to describe a numerical value or quantity that is slightly below a certain threshold. As evidenced by Ludwig, this construction is used to indicate nearness to a specific amount, without precisely reaching it.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fraction shy of" is a phrase used to express that something is slightly less than a given amount, conveying a sense of nearness to a target. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While acceptable, simpler alternatives might be preferred in formal writing. As Ludwig examples show, it's most effective when emphasizing a slight miss of a specific, often desirable, figure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just under

Replaces "a fraction shy of" with a simpler and more direct expression of approximation.

slightly less than

Indicates a minor deficit compared to a specific amount, similar to "a fraction shy of".

a hair's breadth away from

Emphasizes how close something is to reaching a particular goal or amount.

almost reaching

Highlights the near attainment of a specific level or quantity.

nearly attaining

Similar to "almost reaching", this phrase focuses on the approximation of achievement.

a smidgen below

Uses a more informal term ("smidgen") to indicate a small difference from a particular value.

just a tad under

Employs "tad" to express a slight deficiency in a more colloquial manner.

marginally short of

Highlights that the difference is small or marginal in comparison to the target.

by a whisker

Implies that something nearly reaches a target, missing it only by a very small amount.

scant amount less than

Underscores that what's lacking is very little.

FAQs

What does "a fraction shy of" mean?

The phrase "a fraction shy of" means that something is slightly less than a particular amount or a whole number. It implies that the difference is small and that the target was nearly reached.

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

You can use "a fraction shy of" when describing a numerical value that is close to a target. For example: "The company's revenue was "just under" a million dollars, it was a fraction shy of that amount."

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

Some alternatives to "a fraction shy of" include "just under", "slightly less than", or "almost reaching". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a fraction shy of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a fraction shy of" might be perceived as less formal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "slightly less than" or "nearly attaining" for a more professional tone.