a mere fraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere fraction" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to indicate a very small portion or amount of something. Example: "Despite all of his hard work, he only managed to save a mere fraction of what he needed for his dream vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Still, that number is a mere fraction of the total population eligible to apply for naturalization.

The New York Times

I'm going to pay double Romney's rate on a mere fraction of his income.

The New York Times

But this is said to be a mere fraction of the money that went missing.

The Economist

She derided the offers of compensation, a mere fraction of the market value.

The New York Times

Naturally, even with these imports -- a mere fraction of the show -- "The Global Guggenheim" doesn't look global.

The New York Times - Arts

An unnamed Sky source was quoted as saying Gray's payout "really is a mere fraction of the £4m".

The Guardian - Sport

Yet, even that is a comparatively small problem, for art acquisitions represent a mere fraction of the Louvre outlay.

The New York Times - Arts

Louis died broke; Tyson is working on it; Ali has hung onto a mere fraction of the profits he generated.

The New York Times - Sports

PaineWebber has named its own price for Priceline.com, and it is a mere fraction of the previous target.

The New York Times

A mere fraction of the Muslims who fled have returned to a Bosnia united only in name.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This would support about 10,000 scientists--a mere fraction of those on institute rolls.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two quantities, use "a mere fraction" to highlight the disparity between them, making the smaller quantity seem even less significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere fraction" when the portion, though small, is still significant in its own right. Ensure the context warrants emphasizing its insignificance relative to a larger whole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere fraction" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies the noun, emphasizing its small size or amount in relation to a larger whole. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a mere fraction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a very small quantity relative to a larger whole. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered grammatically correct. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific writing, serving to downplay or emphasize the insignificance of something. When using this phrase, be mindful of accurately conveying the intended scale and avoiding misinterpretations of significance. Remember that while "a small portion" and "a tiny part" can serve as simpler alternatives, "a mere fraction" injects a specific tone of diminishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small portion

Replaces 'mere fraction' with more common, less emphatic synonyms.

a tiny part

Substitutes 'fraction' with 'part', emphasizing the small size.

an insignificant amount

Focuses on the lack of importance or impact of the quantity.

a negligible quantity

Uses more formal and scientific language to highlight the minimal amount.

a drop in the bucket

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of extreme smallness compared to the whole.

a sliver

Emphasizes thinness and smallness, suggesting a very narrow portion.

a modicum

Suggests a small but perhaps sufficient or acceptable amount.

a scintilla

Implies an extremely small or barely perceptible amount.

a jot

Indicates a very small and often unimportant amount.

an iota

Emphasizes the extremely small size and unimportance of the portion.

FAQs

How can I use "a mere fraction" in a sentence?

Use "a mere fraction" to emphasize the smallness of a part compared to the whole. For example, "A mere fraction of the population attended the meeting."

What can I say instead of "a mere fraction"?

You can use alternatives like "a small portion", "a tiny part", or "an insignificant amount" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "only a mere fraction"?

While "a mere fraction" already implies a small amount, adding "only" can further emphasize the insignificance. However, using only with a mere fraction might be considered redundant by some.

What is the difference between "a mere fraction" and "a significant fraction"?

"A mere fraction" indicates a very small portion, whereas "a significant fraction" implies a notable or important portion. The choice depends on the degree of importance you want to convey.