a small percentage

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small percentage" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to talk about a small proportion of something. For example: "Only a small percentage of the population is able to afford the new iPhone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Only a small percentage of those transmissions yield something newsworthy.

The New York Times

"It's a small percentage.

The New York Times

Only a small percentage stay off drugs".

The New York Times

"It's a small percentage," Mr. Kane said.

The New York Times - Travel

A small percentage are undeniably superb.

The New York Times - Books

Why such a small percentage?

The New York Times

A small percentage, I'm sure.

The New Yorker

It would be a small percentage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A small percentage of scuttled movies get retooled or rebooted.

The Guardian - Film

Adultery makes up a small percentage.

Huffington Post

Today, women are a small percentage of our industry.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small percentage", ensure the context clearly defines the whole to which the percentage refers. For example, "A small percentage of students preferred the online format."

Common error

Avoid using "a small percentage" when the absolute number it represents is actually significant. A small percentage of a very large number can still be a large number. Instead, consider stating the absolute number directly to avoid misleading the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small percentage" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating a limited or reduced portion of a whole. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. This phrase is used to modify nouns, specifying the amount or proportion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small percentage" is a versatile phrase used to denote a limited portion or quantity across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, academic writing, and scientific literature. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity regarding the reference point. While alternatives such as "a tiny fraction" or "a negligible amount" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. Be mindful of the actual numerical value represented to prevent misrepresentation, especially when dealing with large quantities. Using "a small percentage" with precision enhances clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny fraction

Emphasizes the extremely small and insignificant nature of the portion.

a negligible amount

Highlights that the amount is so small it can be disregarded.

a limited portion

Focuses on the restricted quantity available.

a minor segment

Implies the portion is part of a larger whole and not substantial.

a fractional part

Highlights the portion represents less than a whole or unit.

a modest share

Suggests the portion is small and not excessive.

a scant quantity

Emphasizes the portion is barely sufficient or adequate.

a minimum level

Indicates the portion barely meets a requirement or expectation.

an insignificant proportion

Stresses the portion's lack of importance or impact.

a reduced number

Indicates the portion is smaller than previously.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small percentage" to indicate that only a limited portion of something is being referred to. For example, "A small percentage of the population owns more than half the wealth."

What are some alternatives to using "a small percentage"?

Alternatives include "a tiny fraction", "a negligible amount", or "a minor segment", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always clear what "a small percentage" refers to?

No, you should always clearly define what the percentage is based on to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "a small percentage failed", specify "a small percentage of students failed the exam".

When should I avoid using the phrase "a small percentage"?

Avoid using "a small percentage" if the actual number represented by that percentage is significant or could be misinterpreted. In such cases, providing the absolute number alongside the percentage can provide better clarity and prevent potential misunderstandings.