a smaller percentage

USAGE SUMMARY

"a smaller percentage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to compare one quantity as a proportion of another. For example, "Only 15% of people voted in the election, a smaller percentage than in the previous election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And a smaller percentage actually travel overseas.

The Washington Post

A smaller percentage of white voters favored him.

The New York Times

That means there's a smaller percentage that goes to middlemen.

The Guardian - Film

A smaller percentage actually end up being useful.

The New York Times

"There has been a smaller percentage from outside the system".

The New York Times

Tourette syndrome afflicts up to 1% of children, and a smaller percentage of adults.

Yale University

By contrast, a smaller percentage of the children exhibited what Ainsworth called avoidant attachment.

Yale University

A smaller percentage of individuals develop HD in their 60's and afterwards.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a smaller percentage" to highlight a reduction or decrease, making sure the context provides a clear point of reference for the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "a smaller percentage" without specifying what the percentage relates to. Always provide the necessary context to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "A smaller percentage preferred option A", specify "A smaller percentage of voters preferred option A than option B".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller percentage" functions as a determiner phrase, typically used to quantify and compare proportions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It often modifies a noun, indicating a reduced proportion relative to a reference point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a smaller percentage" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate a reduced proportion, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific reports. To ensure clarity, always specify what the percentage is relative to. Common errors include omitting this context. Consider alternatives like "a lower proportion" or "a reduced fraction" for semantic variation. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lower proportion

Replaces "percentage" with "proportion", emphasizing the relative amount.

a reduced fraction

Substitutes "percentage" with "fraction", highlighting the part-to-whole relationship.

a diminished share

Uses "share" instead of "percentage", focusing on the portion belonging to something.

a smaller amount

Replaces "percentage" with "amount", referring to a quantity instead of a proportion.

a less significant part

Emphasizes the reduced importance or impact of the portion.

a lighter presence

Implies a reduced impact or visibility, altering the original meaning slightly.

a minimal quantity

Highlights that the amount is very small.

a dwindling number

Suggests a decreasing trend over time.

a scarce component

Emphasizes rarity or limited availability.

a deficient quantity

Highlights a lack or shortage.

FAQs

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

Use "a smaller percentage" to indicate that a particular proportion is less than another. For example: "A smaller percentage of students chose to study abroad this year compared to last year".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a smaller percentage"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a lower proportion", "a reduced fraction", or "a diminished share", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a smaller percentage" or "less percentage"?

"A smaller percentage" is the correct and more formal way to express a reduced proportion. "Less percentage" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "a smaller percentage" and "a smaller number"?

"A smaller percentage" refers to a reduced proportion relative to a whole, while "a smaller number" refers to a lower absolute quantity. For example, you might say, "A smaller percentage of the budget was allocated to marketing, resulting in a smaller number of overall marketing initiatives".