a substantial proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant part or amount of something in a quantitative context. Example: "A substantial proportion of the population supports the new policy, indicating a strong public interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This represents a substantial proportion of G.S.K.'s outstanding litigation.

The New York Times

Our activist contact estimated that a substantial proportion of Tripoli's population oppose Gaddafi.

The Guardian

Nepal relies heavily on India for a substantial proportion of its imports.

The Guardian

A profit-driven industry is hardly going to surrender a substantial proportion of what Which?

The Guardian

First, she's obliged to put away a substantial proportion of Italy's gastronomic output.

The Guardian - Film

A small winery can pour away a substantial proportion of its product in tastings.

The New York Times

These fees can claim a substantial proportion of the foundations' revenues.

The New Yorker

And the polls said a substantial proportion of the public felt sorry for Gordon.

The Guardian

Children have been recruited and, according to witnesses, provide a substantial proportion of the armed gangs.

The Guardian

"The hereditary nature of a substantial proportion of sarcomas has never been reported before," he added.

The Guardian

Currently, higher-rate taxpayers donating to a charity can reclaim a substantial proportion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial proportion", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes 'substantial' to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. It is better to quantify what you mean.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial proportion" when the actual percentage is quite low. If the amount is less than 20%, consider using terms like "a small proportion" or "a minority" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial proportion" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate that a significant amount or percentage is being referred to. Ludwig examples showcase it describing portions of populations, budgets, and even scientific measurements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a substantial proportion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a considerable amount or percentage of something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for use across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that 'substantial' is clearly defined within the context. Alternatives include "a significant portion" or "a considerable fraction". Be mindful of overstating the proportion if the actual percentage is low. Remember, clarity and accuracy are key when quantifying information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant portion

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the quantity.

a considerable fraction

Highlights that the quantity is noteworthy.

a large segment

Implies the quantity is a distinct part of a whole.

a good percentage

Uses more common language, focuses on the ratio.

a sizable amount

Indicates that the quantity is physically or conceptually large.

a notable quantity

Suggests the amount is worthy of attention.

a major share

Implies the amount has significant control or influence.

a respectable amount

Indicates the quantity meets a standard or expectation.

a dominant portion

Suggests the quantity has the greatest influence.

a hefty chunk

Informal way to say a large portion

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial proportion" to indicate a noteworthy quantity or percentage of something. For example, "A substantial proportion of the budget is allocated to education".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial proportion"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant portion", "a considerable fraction", or "a large segment" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a significant proportion" or "a substantial proportion"?

Both phrases are suitable, but "a significant proportion" emphasizes importance, while "a substantial proportion" highlights the amount or size.

What does "substantial" mean in the phrase "a substantial proportion"?

In this context, "substantial" means considerable in size, amount, or importance. It suggests that the proportion is large enough to be noteworthy.