a substantial proportion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial proportion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant part or percentage of a whole, often in contexts like research, statistics, or analysis. Example: "A substantial proportion of the participants reported feeling more engaged after the new program was implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BACKGROUND & AIMS:A substantial proportion of pediatric liver transplant recipients develop subclinical chronic allograft injury.

Duke University

A substantial proportion of patients experienced moderate to severe pain.

Pain Management Nursing

Maxillofacial injuries constitute a substantial proportion of cases of trauma.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial proportion of", ensure that the context clearly defines the total amount or group you are referring to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial proportion of" when the actual percentage is very small. "Substantial" implies a significant amount, so ensure the quantity justifies the adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial proportion of" acts as a determiner, modifying a noun to indicate that a significant part or amount of something is being referenced. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial proportion of" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to denote a significant quantity or percentage of a whole. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its prevalence in academic, news, and scientific sources indicates its suitability for formal contexts, while related phrases like "a large percentage of" offer more informal alternatives. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the total amount being referenced and that the described proportion is indeed significant, thus preventing misinterpretations. By using this guidance, writers can effectively and accurately incorporate "a substantial proportion of" into their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant fraction of

Replaces "proportion" with "fraction" while maintaining the emphasis on a notable part of the whole.

a considerable segment of

Uses "segment" instead of "proportion", suggesting a distinct part of a larger group.

a large percentage of

Emphasizes the numerical aspect of the quantity, using "percentage" for clarity.

a notable share of

Replaces "proportion" with "share", focusing on the part someone or something possesses.

a good amount of

Offers a slightly less formal alternative, suitable for general contexts where precision isn't critical.

a respectable portion of

Substitutes "proportion" with "portion", implying a specific serving or allocation.

an appreciable quantity of

Uses "quantity" to highlight the amount, with "appreciable" stressing its importance.

a substantial number of

This alternative is used when referring to countable items rather than a proportion of a whole.

a marked degree of

Shifts the focus to the extent or level, rather than a specific part of a whole.

a healthy chunk of

Uses "chunk" to suggest a sizable piece, offering a more informal and visual alternative.

FAQs

What does "a substantial proportion of" mean?

The phrase "a substantial proportion of" indicates a significant or considerable part of a whole. It suggests that the portion being referred to is large enough to be noteworthy.

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

You can use "a substantial proportion of" to describe a significant amount or percentage. For example: "A substantial proportion of the students passed the exam."

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

Alternatives include "a significant fraction of", "a considerable segment of", or "a large percentage of", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "a substantial proportion of" or a specific percentage?

Using a specific percentage is more precise. Use "a substantial proportion of" when you want to indicate a significant amount without specifying the exact figure, or when the exact figure is unknown or unimportant.