a half to a third

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a half to a third" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a range or proportion, typically in contexts involving measurements, quantities, or comparisons. Example: "The recipe calls for a liquid ratio of a half to a third, ensuring the right consistency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

You'll go from a half to a third.

The New York Times

Second, the share of goods exported to slothful America and Europe has dropped from a half to a third.

The Economist

Lower-end properties on the Bodrum Peninsula are selling for a half to a third of their prices before the global economic downturn, while the high-end market is robust, Ms. Tanbay said.

The New York Times

Many of the employees could earn more money at commercial broadcast outlets -- even Ms. Christopherson makes only $116,000 a year, which is a half to a third of what the heads of stations in major markets earn.

The New York Times

Sixteen millimeter is a half to a third cheaper than 35mm.

Forbes

The galleries said the Duke had offered the two paintings at prices "significantly lower than their market value" - estimated to be around a half to a third of what they would be worth on the open market.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

They concluded that natural gas remains an attractive transition fuel with half to a third of the greenhouse impact of coal.

Cornell University

The final result is that an hourlong program can cost anywhere from half to a third the cost of a regular hourlong drama.

The New York Times

In the last 25 meters, he was passed by Gil Stovall, who beat his personal best by a second and a half, to finish third.

Wikipedia

Simage's forthcoming sensors produce a sharp image at a half to one tenth of the usual radiation level.

Forbes

It took me about a year and a half to complete my first draft.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a half to a third", ensure the context clearly defines what the proportions refer to. For example, specify if it relates to cost reduction, probability, or physical dimension for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming "a half to a third" means exactly halfway between 50% and 33%. It signifies a range, not a specific point. Use clarifying words such as "approximately" or "ranging" to further specify.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a half to a third" functions as a quantifier or adjective phrase, specifying a range or proportion. Ludwig shows it's typically used to describe quantities or degrees of something, indicating a reduction or variation within the stated limits.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a half to a third" serves to express a proportional range, indicating values between 50% and 33.33%. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and is most frequently found within News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts. When using this expression, ensure your context is clear and precise. For more formal situations, consider using "between one-half and one-third". Ludwig AI confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

between one third and one half

Reverses the order of the range, offering a slightly different emphasis while maintaining the same proportional boundaries.

from a third up to a half

Highlights the lower bound of the range before mentioning the upper bound.

ranging from 33% to 50%

Expresses the same range as percentages, providing a more quantitative feel.

in the 33-50% range

Similar to the previous one, but more concise.

between 0.33 and 0.5

Expresses the range using decimal values.

one third to one half inclusive

Explicitly states that both endpoints of the range are included.

a proportion between a third and a half

Emphasizes that the phrase represents a proportion.

anywhere from a third to a half

Adds a degree of imprecision, suggesting an approximation.

approximately a third to a half

Similar to the previous one, but more direct.

in the vicinity of a third to a half

Indicates an approximate range, implying some flexibility around the specified values.

FAQs

How can I use "a half to a third" in a sentence?

You can use "a half to a third" to describe a range or proportion, for example: "The treatment reduced symptoms in "a half to a third" of patients."

What is a more formal alternative to "a half to a third"?

In a formal setting, consider using "between one-half and one-third" or "ranging from one-third to one-half" instead of "a half to a third".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a half to a third"?

Yes, "a half to a third" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a proportional range. However, ensure context provides clarity.

Can "a third to a half" be used interchangeably with "a half to a third"?

While both phrases convey a similar idea, the order can subtly shift the emphasis. "A half to a third" starts with the larger proportion, while "a third to a half" starts with the smaller one. Choose the phrasing that best fits the context.