a substantial fraction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial fraction of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant portion or percentage of a whole in various contexts, such as statistics, research, or general observations. Example: "A substantial fraction of the participants reported an increase in satisfaction after the program."

✓ 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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial fraction of", ensure that the context clearly defines the whole to which the fraction refers. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial fraction of" when the actual percentage is very low. If the fraction is less than, say, 10%, consider using terms like "a small fraction of" or "a minority of" instead, to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial fraction of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that a significant, but not necessarily precisely defined, portion of something is being referred to. It highlights the quantity or extent of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

Academia

22%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial fraction of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a significant portion of a whole, without specifying an exact number. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including science, academia, and news. While alternatives like "a significant portion of" or "a considerable amount of" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the whole being referenced to avoid ambiguity, and avoid overstating the 'substantial' nature if the fraction is actually quite small.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant portion of

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the part being referred to.

a considerable part of

Indicates a noteworthy amount or segment of something.

a large segment of

Highlights the size and distinctiveness of the section.

a notable proportion of

Stresses that the quantity is worthy of attention or recognition.

a sizable chunk of

Suggests a relatively big piece or share of something.

a good percentage of

Focuses on the numerical ratio of the part to the whole.

a healthy share of

Conveys that the amount is plentiful and valuable.

a major segment of

Implies that the section is large and important.

a respectable amount of

Indicates that the quantity is adequate and acceptable.

a dominant fraction of

Suggests that the portion is the most powerful or influential.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial fraction of" to indicate that a significant portion of a whole is being discussed. For example, "A substantial fraction of the budget was allocated to research."

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

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

Is it better to use "a substantial fraction of" or "a significant fraction of"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a significant fraction of" might be preferred in some contexts where the impact or importance is being emphasized, whereas "a substantial fraction of" simply emphasizes the quantity.

How do I determine if a fraction is truly "substantial"?

The perception of what constitutes a "substantial" fraction can vary depending on the context. Generally, it implies more than a small minority, perhaps 20% or higher, but it's subjective and depends on the overall implications. Consider the impact of the fraction when deciding if the adjective "substantial" is appropriate.