a lower ratio

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lower ratio" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities or proportions, indicating that one ratio is smaller than another. Example: "The new pricing strategy resulted in a lower ratio of costs to revenue, improving overall profitability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Earth's water has a lower ratio, casting doubt on the bombardment theory.

The New York Times - Science

If the board acts soon, and picks a lower ratio, that could be good news.

The New York Times

Has any team ever achieved a lower ratio of possession to goals?

The Guardian - Sport

There has never been more building in the world, nor a lower ratio of architecture to junk.

The New York Times - Arts

So it is hardly surprising that India has a lower ratio.

The Economist

A 3% leverage ratio allows banks to have assets worth 33 times their capital, with a lower ratio resulting in higher leverage.

The Guardian - Business

The largest homes, homes in New York City and homes that are for profit, tend to have a lower ratio of staff members to patients than others do.

The New York Times

Unlike American ice cream, he said, which generally has a high ratio of both butterfat and air, gelato has a lower ratio of each, so the consistency is creamier and the flavoring is more intense because less fat masks it.

The New York Times - Food

Although they did not measure the heavy water-regular water ratio in C/Linear, the evidence of a warm-region origin should mean a lower ratio, one that is more in line with Earth's.

The New York Times - Science

"The revaluation was using stale numbers and didn't take into account the sharp market move in 2002 and in the interest of fairness, a lower ratio should be adopted," Mr. Geller said.

The New York Times

Executives close to PepsiCo suggested they would still be interested in Quaker Oats but would only pursue a deal at its original offer price of 2.3 shares for every share of Quaker Oats or a lower ratio.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lower ratio", ensure you clearly specify what two quantities are being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a lower ratio" without specifying what it is lower than. Always provide a clear reference point for comparison. For example, instead of "The new formula has a lower ratio", say "The new formula has a lower ratio of sugar to fat than the previous one".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lower ratio" functions as a noun phrase, where "lower" modifies the noun "ratio". As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to indicate that one quantity or proportion is smaller than another. Examples across various domains show its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lower ratio" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a smaller proportion or quantity when compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across diverse fields, including science, news, and business. To ensure clarity, always specify the quantities being compared. While alternatives like "a reduced proportion" or "a smaller fraction" exist, the best choice depends on the specific context. Remember to define the baseline for comparison to prevent ambiguity. With its widespread use and clear meaning, mastering the application of "a lower ratio" can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced proportion

Emphasizes the act of diminishing a part relative to the whole.

a smaller fraction

Highlights the numerical aspect of the ratio being less.

a decreased rate

Focuses on the reduction in the speed or frequency of something.

a diminished level

Indicates a decrease in the intensity or amount.

a weaker correlation

Suggests a less strong relationship between two variables.

a slighter degree

Implies a less significant extent or measure.

a mitigated amount

Highlights the lessening of an undesirable quantity.

a curtailed frequency

Focuses on the reduction in how often something occurs.

a lessened incidence

Points to a reduced occurrence of an event or phenomenon.

a minimized quotient

Emphasizes the attempt to reduce a result obtained by division.

FAQs

How can I use "a lower ratio" in a sentence?

Use "a lower ratio" to compare two proportions, indicating one is smaller than the other. For instance, "The company aims for "a lower ratio" of debt to equity".

What are some alternatives to "a lower ratio"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a reduced proportion", "a smaller fraction", or "a decreased rate".

Is it correct to say "a less ratio" instead of "a lower ratio"?

No, "a less ratio" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is ""a lower ratio"", as "lower" is the appropriate comparative adjective for ratios.

What does "a lower ratio" typically imply in a financial context?

In finance, ""a lower ratio"" often implies reduced risk or improved efficiency. For example, "a lower debt-to-equity ratio" suggests the company relies less on debt financing.