a slight fraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight fraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small part or portion of a whole, often in mathematical or statistical contexts. Example: "The results showed that a slight fraction of the participants preferred option A over option B."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In the long perspective of human evolutionary development, dictionaries have been known through only a slight fraction of language history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although a slight fraction of 18F-FDG was released from 18F-FDG-labeled RBCs, 18F-FDG-labeled RBC PET images revealed that the cardiovascular system of normal rats was clearly and stably visualized for several hours.

EJNMMI Research

Even with the government's forays into the financial, auto and, now, hopefully, the health care industries, it is only touching a slight fraction of American business.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As shown in Fig. 7, there was a white precipitate at the first three solutions (pH = 4.36, 5.26, and 6.34), and XRD showed that it is an organic precipitate with slight fraction of calcium sulfate.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Our samples performed similarly to those of the YRI, with a slighter higher fraction of markers with an allele frequency less than 2.5%, but a lower fraction of markers with a minor allele frequency between 2.5 and 10%, as well as a lower percentage of monomorphic SNPs.

BMC Genomics

Thus, while Facebook tells us that the majority of terroristic content it deletes is now based on algorithms that prevent previously deleted content from being reuploaded and machine flagging of textual posts, we simply have no idea whether Facebook's algorithms are catching even the slightest fraction of terroristic material on its site.

Forbes

Increasing MTPS amount caused a slight increase in gel fraction and decreased the tensile strength of nanocomposite.

Carbohydrate Polymers

In SK-N-BE mitochondrial fraction, a slight association between NGB and cytochrome c occurs.

Cell Death and Disease

Strain cen1:: R-arg3 + displayed a slight increase in the fraction of cells with mitotic defects (77% normal segregation, N = 70), despite having no observable phenotype on media containing TBZ or Phloxin B and normal cell morphology.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

The three mutant Smc proteins assembled into normal Smc ScpAB complexes as judged by Smc ScpA cross-linking, albeit there is a slight decrease in the fraction of ScpA proteins bridging Smc dimers and a concomitant minor increase in ScpA subunits bound to single Smc proteins (Bürmann et al., 2013).

eLife

The BrdU analysis also showed variation in the cell cycle distribution among the four subclones (Fig. 2B), with a slight increase in the fraction of actively proliferating cells in U-251-FGA20gain (P-values: U-251MG = 0.057, U-251-4q12 = 0.004, and U-251N = 0.018).

Cancer Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight fraction", ensure the context clearly establishes the whole to which the fraction refers. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight fraction" when the quantity has a significant impact. This can mislead readers into underestimating the importance of the fraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight fraction" primarily functions as a quantifying expression. It modifies a noun (fraction) to indicate a small, often insignificant, amount. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight fraction" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a small portion of a whole. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its validity and provides diverse examples from reputable sources, including scientific publications, news outlets, and encyclopedias. The phrase is most frequently encountered in neutral to formal contexts and serves to minimize or downplay the significance of the fraction being described. While versatile, it's essential to ensure accuracy and avoid using it when the fraction holds substantial importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small proportion

Replaces "fraction" with the more general term "proportion", emphasizing the relative size of the part to the whole.

a tiny percentage

Substitutes "fraction" with "percentage", making it suitable for statistical contexts and highlighting the small quantity.

a negligible amount

Focuses on the insignificance of the quantity, indicating that it has very little impact or consequence.

a limited extent

Shifts the focus to the degree or scope, suggesting a restricted or confined aspect.

a marginal quantity

Emphasizes that the amount is at the edge or boundary, suggesting it barely qualifies as significant.

a fractional part

Highlights that it is a portion of a whole, focusing more on the division aspect.

a minimal segment

Uses "segment" to emphasize that is one of many components that make up the whole.

a modest portion

Replaces 'slight' with 'modest' to suggest that the fraction is somewhat limited in scope or size.

a soupçon

Implies a very small, often barely detectable, amount. Using a French loanword adds flair and specificity.

a tincture

Emphasizes the slightest hint or touch, akin to diluting a strong essence to a weak solution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight fraction" to describe a small part of a whole, as in "A slight fraction of the budget was allocated to marketing".

What are some alternatives to "a slight fraction"?

Consider using alternatives such as "a small portion", "a tiny percentage", or "a negligible amount" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight fraction" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slight fraction" is suitable for formal writing when you need to precisely describe a small part of a whole. However, ensure that it accurately represents the quantity and does not downplay its importance if it has a significant impact.

How does "a slight fraction" differ from "a significant portion"?

"A slight fraction" indicates a very small part, whereas "a significant portion" implies a larger, more important part of the whole. The choice depends on the actual quantity and its relevance to the context.