a large proportion of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a large proportion of" is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, you could say "A large proportion of the population voted in the election".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe a large proportion of transactions in banks are fictitious.

The Guardian - Opinion

They also comprise a large proportion of the shelters' inhabitants.

The Guardian

A large proportion of broilers suffer from leg problems.

The Guardian

A large proportion of the posters are propagandistic in nature.

Stanford University

A large proportion of the town's population is Christian.

Britannica

A large proportion of fishermen reported loss of fishing grounds.

Marine Policy

A large proportion of our clients work in casinos.

The New York Times

A large proportion of the islands of Asia are mountainous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But a large proportion of it is offered.

Independent

A large proportion of voters say they remain undecided.

The Economist

That target appeals to a large proportion of UK voters.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more precise language, such as "a majority of" or specifying a percentage, when accuracy is important. While "a large proportion of" indicates a significant amount, it lacks the exactness of numerical data.

Common error

Avoid using "a large proportion of" without specifying what the proportion refers to. For example, instead of saying "A large proportion of students failed", specify "A large proportion of students in the math class failed" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large proportion of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun and indicating that a significant part or percentage of that noun is being referred to. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in quantifying elements within a larger group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large proportion of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a significant portion of a whole. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. It is crucial to provide clear context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "a significant percentage of" or "a majority of" may offer greater precision, "a large proportion of" remains a useful and widely understood expression for indicating substantial quantities or shares. The phrase is frequently found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources, demonstrating its broad applicability and acceptance in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant percentage of

Replaces 'proportion' with 'percentage', focusing on numerical representation.

a considerable fraction of

Substitutes 'large proportion' with 'considerable fraction', indicating a notable part.

a substantial segment of

Uses 'substantial segment' instead of 'large proportion', highlighting a sizable portion.

a notable share of

Uses 'notable share' instead of 'large proportion', emphasizing the significance of the portion.

a good part of

Replaces the formal 'large proportion' with the more informal 'good part', indicating a significant amount.

a majority of

Emphasizes that more than half is being referenced.

a sizable chunk of

Employs 'sizable chunk' to convey a large and noticeable part.

a high number of

Focuses on the quantity being high rather than the proportional aspect.

a considerable amount of

Highlights the amount being substantial.

much of

Simple replacement to mean largely the same thing.

FAQs

How can I use "a large proportion of" in a sentence?

You can use "a large proportion of" to indicate that a significant part of a whole is being discussed. For example, "A large proportion of students prefer online learning."

What are some alternatives to "a large proportion of"?

Alternatives include "a significant percentage of", "a substantial segment of", or "a majority of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more effective to use a precise percentage instead of "a large proportion of"?

Using a precise percentage offers greater clarity and specificity compared to "a large proportion of". While "a large proportion of" suggests a significant amount, it lacks the exactness that a numerical value provides.

When is it appropriate to use "a large proportion of" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to indicate that a considerable part of something is being discussed, without necessarily needing to provide an exact figure. It's useful when the specific number is unknown or less important than the general idea of a substantial share.