a proportion of them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proportion of them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific part or percentage of a larger group or quantity. Example: "A proportion of them expressed their concerns during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"There has to be an agreement all across Europe that they all take a proportion of them," he said.

The Guardian

The housing plan would allow for the construction of more market-rate developments, providing a proportion of them were categorized as affordable.

The Guardian

The precise amount of platelets will also vary, with only a proportion of them actually forming a "scab" on the leak.

MIT Technology Review

We recognise that a good sports-playing tenant will help contribute to the value of those rights, and it would be entirely right for a proportion of them to go across to the club," said Innes.

The Guardian - Sport

Nelson suggests so many people are affected by the benefits system that even if a proportion of them suffer through the introduction of universal credit that would be "fraught with political danger".

The Guardian

"Many people don't realise the wide range of jobs there are in the NHS, as the stereotype is that all NHS employees are in frontline care, whereas only a proportion of them are," says Reed. Significantly, the majority of the mentees are female, with a ratio of around 3 1 females to males.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

At first sight, that is surprising: after all, a large proportion of them have a common meeting point in universities.

The Economist

A low proportion of them had a larger diameter of up to 8  μm.

BioMed Research International

By the mid-1990s, there were 117 pandas living in captivity in China, a worrying proportion of them descendants of a single, libidinous male called Pan Pan.

The Guardian

A survey of American women indicates that a high proportion of them use alternative and complementary medicines for depression.

Harvard University

These hPGCLCs showed a slightly higher intensity of NANOS3/TNAP by FACS, and a greater proportion of them were CD38 positive.

Cell

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a proportion of them" when you want to indicate that you are referring to a part of a larger group without specifying the exact amount or percentage.

Common error

Avoid using "a proportion of them" when you can provide a more specific value or when 'some' would be more appropriate, as it can sometimes sound vague or unnecessarily formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proportion of them" functions as a determiner phrase within a sentence. It specifies that only a certain part (not all) of a previously mentioned group is being referred to. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a proportion of them" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to refer to a subset of a larger group. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage spans various contexts, from scientific literature to news reports. It's best suited for scenarios where you need to indicate a part of a group without specifying an exact number or percentage. When choosing between "a proportion of them" and similar phrases, consider the level of formality and the precision required for your context. Remember to avoid using it when a simpler term like 'some' would be more appropriate or when a more precise value is known.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fraction of them

Replaces "proportion" with "fraction", implying a smaller or less precise part of the whole.

a percentage of them

Substitutes "proportion" with "percentage", providing a more quantifiable aspect of the part.

some of them

A more general way of indicating a part of a group, without specifying the exact quantity.

a number of them

Indicates a certain quantity, though unspecified, within the group.

a segment of them

Replaces "proportion" with "segment", suggesting a distinct section or part.

part of them

A simpler and more direct way of expressing a portion of the whole.

a share of them

Implies that each member of the group gets a piece from the whole.

a piece of them

Similar to 'a share', this suggests a portion, often of something tangible or conceptual.

a quantity of them

Refers to an unspecific amount, but still a measurable portion.

a section of them

Similar to "segment", but emphasizing a division or separate part.

FAQs

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

Use "a proportion of them" to refer to a part of a larger group or number. For example, "A proportion of them expressed concerns during the meeting".

What phrases are similar to "a proportion of them"?

Alternatives include "some of them", "a number of them", or "a percentage of them", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a proportion of them" or "some of them"?

The choice depends on the desired level of specificity. "A proportion of them" suggests a calculated or estimated part, while "some of them" is more general.

When is it inappropriate to use "a proportion of them"?

It might be inappropriate if you know the exact number or percentage, or when a simpler term like "some" would suffice and sound less formal. If you're referring to all individuals in a group, then don't use "a proportion of them".