a third of children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a third of children" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing statistics or observations related to a specific portion of the child population. Example: "A third of children in the study reported feeling anxious about returning to school after the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A third of children under five are malnourished.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A third of children living in overcrowded conditions.

The Guardian

In Equateur, data show that only a third of children have received routine childhood immunizations.

The Washington Post

In other parts of the Philippines, only a third of children ever finish primary school.

The Washington Post

Over a third of children aged 11 are considered to be overweight or obese.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, only a third of children in the developing world receive oral rehydration therapy.

The New Yorker

■ More than a third of children 13,600 of them – live in the poverty.

The Guardian

In this group, on average a third of children were living in poverty.

The Guardian

A third of children under 5 are malnourished, and AIDS is rampant and virtually ignored.

The New York Times

A third of children are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school.

The Guardian

About 60% of UK adults and a third of children are overweight or obese.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a third of children" in formal writing, ensure the context provides sufficient background or clarification to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the geographical location or demographic group you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions based solely on "a third of children" without considering the sample size, margin of error, and other relevant statistical factors. Present the information within the context of the larger study or dataset to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a third of children" functions as a quantifier, specifying a particular fraction of a larger group. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a third of children" is a grammatically correct and commonly used quantifier that specifies a proportion of the child population. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and Ludwig's examples showcase its frequent appearance in various sources, including news media, formal business documents, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, clarity and context are key to ensuring accurate communication. While alternatives like "one third of children" or "approximately 33% of children" exist, the original phrase remains a versatile and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

One third of children

Replaces "a" with "one" offering a more formal tone, though the meaning remains identical.

About a third of children

Adds a less formal tone indicating approximation.

Roughly one third of children

Indicates an estimated proportion.

Approximately 33% of children

Provides a numerical approximation of the fraction, making it more statistically explicit.

Around 33 percent of children

Offers a less precise estimate, implying a range around the given percentage.

A considerable proportion of children

Shifts focus from a specific fraction to a general sense of significance.

A portion of children

Uses a more generic term to indicate a subset of children.

A significant number of children

Emphasizes the quantity rather than the fractional relationship.

A segment of the child population

Adopts a more formal, demographic tone.

Many children

Broadens the scope to a general group of children, losing the precise fraction.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a third of children"?

You can use alternatives like "one third of children", "approximately 33 percent of children", or "around 33 percent of children depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a third children"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "a third of children". The preposition "of" is essential to indicate that you're referring to a fraction of the whole group.

How do I use "a third of children" in a sentence?

You can use "a third of children" to describe a proportion within a larger group. For example, "A third of children are affected by the new policy."

What is the difference between "a third of children" and "the third of children"?

"A third of children" refers to any one-third portion of children. "The third of children" implies a specific, previously identified third of the children being discussed.