a representative proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a representative proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a sample or subset that accurately reflects the characteristics of a larger group. Example: "In our study, we ensured that the participants included a representative proportion of different age groups to gather diverse perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

We need a healthy balance of role models across the media, and advertisers need to find ways to target a representative proportion of the UK population.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet IMD says it takes a representative proportion of women at the appropriate level in business.Business also seems to have an image problem with women.

The Economist

Such large samples typically containing gold, silver, and lead can be most economically assayed by the fire method, which usually consists of six steps: 1. Sampling: a representative proportion is taken.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The official expressed concern that the recount and audit would be conducted not by examining every affected ballot box, but by statistical sampling, in which a representative proportion of the ballots are examined and those results used to extrapolate the total.

The New York Times

On any such random day, a representative proportion of participants would have experienced interictal symptoms.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Indeed, there are some notable scientists with sufficiently common surnames that are omitted from our analysis, e.g. Stanley HE and Vogelstein B, but we maintain that the number of profiles analyzed is sufficiently large to include a representative proportion of these elite careers comprising the tail of the productivity and citation impact distributions.

EPJ Data Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

One line of argument runs that as the demographics of the US run to a majority white (77%) population, it's a perfectly representative proportion – not a problem everyone, move on.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, they have an advantage over randomized clinical trials in that, unlike randomized trials, which typically exclude 90% of the population at risk so as to avoid influences that might confound unambiguous data interpretation, the large databases include a highly representative proportion of the populations of interest.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

After exclusions, a random sample of eligible participants was selected at each practice in order to obtain an approximately 2 1 ratio of Cumbria and London invitees for a more nationally representative proportion of white British invitees.

European Radiology

Quantitative genetic methods use phenotypic data on a large and representative proportion of the population, which have in livestock species typically taken the form of empirical measurement of continuous variables.

Journal of Veterinary Behavior

Although 2D gels of muscle fibre homogenates do not represent the entire muscle protein complement, optimized electrophoretic procedures can separate a large and representative proportion of key metabolic, structural, regulatory and contractile elements [ 15].

Bioscience Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a representative proportion", ensure the context clearly defines the larger group being represented to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a representative proportion of the student body" rather than just "a representative proportion".

Common error

Avoid assuming that a large number automatically constitutes "a representative proportion". A sample could be large but still skewed if it doesn't accurately reflect the characteristics of the overall population. Always consider the underlying distribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a representative proportion" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "proportion". It specifies the type of proportion, indicating that it accurately reflects the characteristics of a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a representative proportion" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to describe a part that accurately reflects the whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most common in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify the larger group being represented. Avoid confusing large numbers with true representativeness. Consider alternatives like "a typical percentage" or "a proportionate sample" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a proportionate sample

Swaps 'representative' for 'proportionate' maintaining similar meaning.

a typical percentage

Replaces 'proportion' with 'percentage', focusing on the numerical aspect of representation.

a balanced ratio

Uses 'ratio' to suggest a fair and equal representation between different elements.

a fair share

Emphasizes the equity aspect of representation, suggesting an unbiased selection.

a corresponding fraction

Substitutes both 'representative' and 'proportion', highlighting the mathematical aspect of correspondence.

a selective cross-section

Emphasizes that the sample is carefully chosen to mirror overall features.

a miniature reflection

Suggests that the element in question is a small but accurate duplication.

a statistically sound segment

Uses technical language to emphasize accuracy and scientific validity.

a diverse subset

Implies that the part is diverse in relation to the composition of the entire population.

an illustrative instance

Focuses on the way the piece serves as a strong and evident example.

FAQs

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

You can use "a representative proportion" to describe a sample or subset that accurately reflects the characteristics of a larger group. For example: "The survey included "a representative proportion" of voters from each demographic group."

What does "a representative proportion" mean in statistics?

In statistics, "a representative proportion" refers to a subset of a population that accurately mirrors the characteristics of the entire population. This ensures that findings from the sample can be generalized to the larger group.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a representative proportion"?

Alternatives to "a representative proportion" include "a typical percentage", "a proportionate sample", or "a balanced ratio" depending on the specific context.

How do you ensure you have "a representative proportion" in a research study?

To ensure you have "a representative proportion" in a research study, use random sampling techniques, stratify your sample to match known population characteristics, and check your sample's demographics against those of the overall population. If the sample is not representative, you may introduce bias in your study.