a significant fraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant fraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a portion or percentage of a whole that is notably large or important in a given context. Example: "A significant fraction of the population supports the new policy, indicating widespread approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— is that a significant fraction must be sitting on their home planets".

The New York Times - Science

I must take blame for at least a significant fraction of the suboptimal design".

The New Yorker

But the amount could be a significant fraction of demand on a bad day.

The New York Times

A significant fraction resides in the gaps between tiles.

Journal of Nuclear Materials

Large publishers control a significant fraction, but there are still lots of individual publishers and societies.

Stanford University

Thus, the S weight in RG is a significant fraction of the S weight in BY.

Stanford University

A significant fraction of aircraft fly in the upper part of the Ferrel cell.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Moreover, a significant fraction of participating parents are poor making fee defaults quite common.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Because a significant fraction of their friends will force them to.

MIT Technology Review

Is it possible that such a company could take a significant fraction of the market?

MIT Technology Review

A significant fraction of electrons formed in DEG immediately after the electron pulse have undergone relaxation.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific language (e.g. 'one-third', '60 percent') if precise figures are available, as this will add credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant fraction" when the portion is actually quite small. Overstating the significance can undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant fraction" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that a notable portion or percentage is being referred to. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant fraction" is a versatile phrase used to denote a noteworthy portion or percentage. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including academia, news, and science. While alternatives like "a considerable portion" or "a substantial part" exist, the choice depends on the desired emphasis. Remember to provide clear context and avoid overstating significance when using this phrase to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable portion

Emphasizes the size or importance of the portion.

a substantial part

Highlights the magnitude and importance of the part.

a large proportion

Focuses on the relative size compared to the whole.

a sizable amount

Refers to quantity and suggests a noteworthy quantity.

a good percentage

More casual and indicates a satisfactory portion.

a notable share

Highlights the significance of the share or allocation.

an appreciable quantity

Stresses that the quantity is easily noticed or measured.

a respectable amount

Indicates the amount is worthy of respect or consideration.

a healthy segment

Implies the segment is robust and contributes positively.

a major chunk

Informal, emphasizing a large, undefined portion.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant fraction" to indicate that a notable portion of something is being discussed. For example, "A significant fraction of the budget is allocated to research."

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

You can use alternatives like "a considerable portion", "a substantial part", or "a large proportion" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a significant fraction" or "a majority"?

"A significant fraction" implies a notable portion, while "a majority" means more than half. Use "a majority" when over 50% is involved; otherwise, "a significant fraction" might be more accurate.

What makes a fraction "significant"?

A fraction is considered "significant" when it has a noticeable impact or importance in the context being discussed. Its significance depends on the specific situation and what is being measured.