a low percentage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a low percentage" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe a statistic, numerical data, or any other measurement of success. For example: "The company was successful, but had a low percentage of customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A low percentage, we think, is one marker for longevity.

The New York Times - Health

"We're trying to do things that have a low percentage.

The New York Times - Sports

I was upset to learn that such a low percentage of health care workers are immunized.

The New York Times

"There is a low percentage of rehabilitation, but the potential is there," Sayres said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times - Sports

Because cyclists have such a low percentage of body fat, they are more susceptible to infections than other people.

The New Yorker

About 45 percent of that total came from 3-D screenings, a low percentage.

The New York Times

Why such a low percentage?

TechCrunch

Thank God for such a low percentage.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

With four infielders pulled in, a bunt might seem like a low-percentage play.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a low-percentage shot, but, so far, she's been hitting it right.

The New Yorker

The copolymer is introduced into the ceramic body as a low-percentage solution in a solvent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify "a low percentage" with a specific number or range whenever possible to provide concrete information and enhance the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a low percentage" without providing a reference point. What might be considered low in one context could be average or even high in another. Always ensure the reader understands the basis for comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low percentage" functions primarily as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies a noun, indicating that the noun represents a small proportion of a whole. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a low percentage" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a small proportion of something. Ludwig AI examples show that the phrase is frequently used in both scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clear context and, where possible, specific numerical data to enhance understanding. While versatile, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation without a clear reference point. Related alternatives such as "a small proportion" or "a minimal fraction" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small proportion

Focuses on the relative size of a part compared to the whole.

a minimal fraction

Emphasizes that the part is extremely small.

a negligible amount

Highlights that the quantity is so small it's almost insignificant.

a scarce quantity

Suggests that the available amount is limited and hard to come by.

a reduced rate

Focuses on the frequency or speed at which something occurs, rather than the size of a portion.

a modest share

Implies a reasonable but limited portion.

a tiny segment

Points out the smallness of a section or part.

a limited extent

Highlights restrictions on the degree or scope.

an insignificant number

Underscores that the count is so low it's practically meaningless.

a rare occurrence

Focuses on the infrequency of an event, rather than the size of a group or proportion.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a low percentage" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a low percentage", provide context. Explain what the percentage refers to and why it is considered low. For instance, "a low percentage of students passed the exam, indicating a need for curriculum review."

What are some alternatives to using "a low percentage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a small proportion", "a minimal fraction", or "a negligible amount". Each emphasizes different aspects of the quantity being described.

Is it always necessary to quantify "a low percentage" with an exact number?

While not always necessary, quantifying "a low percentage" with a specific number enhances clarity and impact. If precision is not critical, providing a general sense of the range can suffice, but avoid ambiguity.

In what situations is using "a low percentage" most appropriate?

Using "a low percentage" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the smallness of a part relative to the whole, particularly in statistical or analytical contexts. It's suitable for reports, articles, and discussions where precise comparisons are beneficial.