a minor proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a minor proportion' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to a small part of a whole. For example: "Only a minor proportion of students passed the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, a minor proportion of mixed linkage β-glucan is also present60.

Nature

Besides these major components, SCWs also contain a minor proportion of structural proteins.

Nature

Salt added in home cooking and at the table accounts for only a minor proportion of sodium intake.

The New York Times - Health

Manufactured goods constitute a minor proportion of Oklahoma's economy, as compared to the production of raw materials.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These data suggest that only a minor proportion, if any, of the oligonucleotide is able to form a G4 in sodium and lithium conditions.

Nature

The comonomeric diacids with longer chain length had stronger competitive ability in controlling the cocrystallization even when they were present in a minor proportion.

European Polymer Journal

A minor proportion of fluorite is also concentrated in the Permo-Mesozoic siliciclastic sediments resting unconformably upon the basement rocks near Pingarten.

Ore Geology Reviews

It is possible, however, that artificial habitats provide conditions for a minor proportion of the regional species pool, benefiting just a few widespread generalists.

Biological Conservation

Minerals represent a minor proportion in the feeds' composition.

International Aquatic Research

Be and Ba are mainly distributed in the minerals with a minor proportion in the organic matter.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Notably, only 223Ra induced a minor proportion of linear DNA forms that were not prevented by DMSO.

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor proportion", ensure that the context clearly establishes the whole to which this proportion relates. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the comparison you are making.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor proportion" when the actual quantity is substantial. This phrase is best suited for truly small amounts; otherwise, it can mislead the reader about the actual scale or significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor proportion" functions as a quantifier, specifying a small amount or part of a larger whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. The phrase helps to indicate scale and significance within a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor proportion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a small quantity or degree of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a quantifier and serves to downplay the significance of a particular element. While versatile, it's most prevalent in scientific and formal contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the larger context is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Remember that there are also several alternatives, such as "a small fraction" or "a negligible amount", that may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fraction

Emphasizes the idea of a very small part of a whole, similar to "a minor proportion".

a negligible amount

Highlights that the amount is so small it can be disregarded; very close in meaning to "a minor proportion".

a limited quantity

Focuses on the restricted amount available, mirroring the limited aspect of "a minor proportion".

a slight degree

Highlights that the quantity or extent is small.

a minimal share

Indicates the allocation or portion is very small.

a tiny segment

Implies that the segment is significantly smaller than the other segments.

a fringe element

Suggests a marginal or peripheral component.

a small segment

Implies that the part is significantly smaller than the whole.

a fraction

Refers to a part of a whole.

an insignificant portion

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the segment.

FAQs

How can I use "a minor proportion" in a sentence?

You can use "a minor proportion" to indicate that only a small part of something is being referred to. For example: "A minor proportion of the students passed the exam on their first try."

What are some alternatives to "a minor proportion"?

Some alternatives to "a minor proportion" include "a small fraction", "a negligible amount", or "a limited quantity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a minor proportion" in formal writing?

Yes, "a minor proportion" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or scientific contexts where precise language is valued. However, ensure the tone matches the overall style of your writing.

What's the difference between "a minor proportion" and "a significant proportion"?

"A minor proportion" refers to a small part of a whole, while "a significant proportion" implies that the part being discussed is large enough to be noteworthy. The choice depends on the actual quantity or percentage you're describing.