a significant percentage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant percentage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a portion of something that is deemed to be important, large or noteworthy. For example: "A significant percentage of the world's population is living in poverty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He instead received a new contract averaging about $3.3 million a year, with a significant percentage coming from donor contributions.

The New Yorker

A significant percentage".

The Guardian

He said "a significant percentage" were Haitians.

The New York Times

Did he get a significant percentage?

The New York Times

A significant percentage of the Northern volunteers were committed abolitionists.

The New York Times

There was a significant percentage improvement in their correlation values.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Tonsil caseous affects a significant percentage of the population.

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

(A significant percentage of Google's users, company officials acknowledge, are looking for pornography).

The New York Times - Tech

A significant percentage of strokes may be prevented by appropriate therapies.

The New York Times

"There's a significant percentage of Britain on the motorway somewhere at any one time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It includes a significant percentage of meatless or seafood dishes, two of which are best avoided.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of your audience. While appropriate in formal and academic writing, "a significant percentage" might sound stilted in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "a lot" or "many" in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant percentage" without providing any specific numerical data or reference point. Saying "A significant percentage of people like pizza" is less effective than saying "A significant percentage (60%) of people surveyed like pizza".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant percentage" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun (usually referring to a group or quantity). As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a notable or important portion of a whole. It helps to quantify or qualify a specific aspect within a broader context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant percentage" is a versatile phrase used to denote a noteworthy portion or quantity across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is particularly common in news, academic, and scientific writing, conveying the importance or impact of the amount being discussed. To ensure clarity, it's recommended to specify the numerical value or reference point whenever possible. While appropriate for formal settings, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversations. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a significant percentage" to enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable proportion

Replaces "percentage" with "proportion", emphasizing the relative amount in relation to the whole.

a notable fraction

Substitutes "percentage" with "fraction", suggesting a part of a whole, and "significant" with "notable", indicating worthiness of attention.

a substantial portion

Uses "substantial" instead of "significant", highlighting the considerable size or importance of the portion.

a large segment

Replaces "percentage" with "segment", focusing on a specific section or group that is sizable.

a good number

Offers a less formal alternative, indicating a quantity that is reasonably high or noteworthy.

an appreciable quantity

Emphasizes the amount is large enough to be perceived or measured, replacing "percentage" with "quantity".

a marked degree

Shifts the focus from quantity to the extent or level, using "degree" instead of "percentage".

a major share

Implies that the portion is a dominant part of the whole, replacing "percentage" with "share".

a relevant amount

Emphasizes the pertinence or importance of the amount in question, rather than just its size.

a respectable quantity

Suggests the quantity is worthy of respect or is reasonably large, shifting the focus to valuation.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant percentage" to indicate that a noteworthy portion of something is being discussed. For example, "A significant percentage of the budget is allocated to research and development."

What phrases are similar to "a significant percentage"?

Similar phrases include "a considerable proportion", "a notable fraction", and "a substantial portion". These alternatives can add variety to your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a significant percentage"?

The phrase "a significant percentage" is suitable for formal writing, reports, and academic papers where precision and objectivity are important. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "a lot" or "many" might be more appropriate.

How do I avoid being vague when using "a significant percentage"?

To avoid vagueness, always provide a specific numerical value or a clear point of reference when using "a significant percentage". For example, instead of just saying "A significant percentage of students passed", say "A significant percentage (85%) of students passed."