a substantial fraction

USAGE SUMMARY

"a substantial fraction" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a relatively large portion or amount of something, such as money or resources. Example: "A substantial fraction of the world's population does not have access to clean water."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nevertheless, a substantial fraction of unsolved cases still remain.

Columbia University

Its membership now includes a substantial fraction of ethnic minorities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A substantial fraction of the human proteome encodes disordered proteins.

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology

Consistently, we found that a substantial fraction of NAC is non-ribosomal bound in higher eukaryotes.

Stanford University

A substantial fraction of students graduate with no debt at all.

Princeton University

This difference, the electron correlation energy, can be a substantial fraction of the total energy.

Britannica

But a substantial fraction of its assets — say, $400 billion worth — are mortgage-backed securities and other toxic waste.

The New York Times

A substantial fraction of the course will also be dedicated to academic papers covering limits to arbitrage and behavioural finance.

Yale University

But there is also a substantial fraction of investors who trade frequently and often day-trade in penny stocks.

Columbia University

Lagkouvardos, I., Overmann, J. & Clavel, T. Cultured microbes represent a substantial fraction of the human and mouse gut microbiota.

Nature

Since honeybees monopolize a substantial fraction of interactions, we would predict a decrease in both M and nM17,25,59.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial fraction" when you want to indicate that a considerable portion of something is being discussed, but avoid being overly precise with numbers.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "a substantial fraction" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a large part" or "a significant amount" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial fraction" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies the noun, indicating that a significant portion or amount of it is being considered. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

Academia

23%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial fraction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a significant portion or amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal contexts such as science, academia, and news media. While versatile, remember to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate it into your writing to convey precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant portion

Replaces "fraction" with "portion" emphasizing the part of a whole.

a considerable amount

Shifts from a fraction to an amount, focusing on quantity.

a large segment

Emphasizes a part of a group or population.

a sizable percentage

Quantifies the fraction as a percentage, making it more specific.

a good proportion

Uses "proportion" instead of "fraction", implying a balanced part.

a notable share

Replaces "fraction" with "share", indicating a part that is allocated or owned.

a major part

Simplifies the phrasing to highlight the importance of the part.

a respectable quantity

Highlights the quantity as worthy of respect.

a healthy chunk

Uses a more informal term, "chunk", to represent a significant piece.

a noteworthy extent

Emphasizes the degree or scope that is considerable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial fraction" to indicate a significant portion or amount of something. For example, "A substantial fraction of the budget was allocated to research and development."

What are some alternatives to using "a substantial fraction"?

Alternatives include "a significant portion", "a considerable amount", or "a large segment", depending on the specific context.

Is "a substantial fraction" formal or informal?

The phrase "a substantial fraction" is generally considered more formal and suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

How does "a substantial fraction" differ from "a small fraction"?

"A substantial fraction" indicates a large or significant portion, while "a small fraction" indicates a minimal or insignificant portion. The terms are antonyms and convey opposite meanings regarding the amount being discussed.