a tiny fraction

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tiny fraction" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a very small or insignificant portion of something. Example: The scientist's discovery was a breakthrough, as it revealed a tiny fraction of the vast and complex workings of the human brain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a tiny fraction".

The New York Times

That's a tiny fraction.

MIT Technology Review

It's a tiny fraction of the missing.

The New Yorker

Trawlers net only a tiny fraction of the continent's krill.

Harvard University

Both structurally and financially, it's a tiny fraction of reform.

University of California, Berkeley

Indeed, we cannot defend even a tiny fraction of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

A tiny fraction of the world's population lives in Siberia.

The New Yorker

Only a tiny fraction of men choose to have vasectomies.

The Guardian

Only a tiny fraction qualify as broadband by industry definitions.

The Guardian

But they are only a tiny fraction of the problem.

The New York Times

Friday morning's event was a tiny fraction of this magnitude.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tiny fraction" when you want to emphasize how small a part is in relation to the whole. It adds a touch of understatement.

Common error

Avoid using "a tiny fraction" when the actual amount, though small, is still significant in context. For instance, saying "a tiny fraction" of the population died in a disaster, when it still represents a large number of people, can be misleading and insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny fraction" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a very small portion or amount. Ludwig examples show it used to quantify everything from populations to scientific measurements. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and in common use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tiny fraction" is a versatile phrase used to denote a very small portion of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that it functions as a determiner phrase, primarily used to downplay the significance or size of an element in relation to the whole. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for use in news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. While "a small proportion", "a negligible amount", and "a mere sliver" offer similar meanings, "a tiny fraction" specifically highlights the extremely small and often insignificant nature of the portion being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small proportion

Uses "proportion" instead of "fraction", indicating a comparable but slightly more formal tone.

a minute portion

Replaces "tiny" with "minute", emphasizing the extreme smallness of the part.

a negligible amount

Focuses on the insignificance of the quantity rather than its fractional nature.

a mere sliver

Uses a metaphorical term, "sliver", to represent a thin, small piece.

a fractional percentage

Combines "fractional" with "percentage" to specify the type of small part.

a limited quantity

Emphasizes the restricted size of the amount, rather than its relation to a whole.

a scarce amount

Indicates that the quantity is not only small but also difficult to obtain.

a drop in the bucket

An idiomatic expression meaning an insignificant amount compared to what's needed or available.

hardly any

A more informal way of expressing that very little of something exists.

an insignificant piece

Highlights the unimportance of the portion rather than its numerical size.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tiny fraction" to describe a very small portion or amount of something in relation to the whole. For example: "Only "a tiny fraction" of the students passed the exam."

What can I say instead of "a tiny fraction"?

You can use alternatives like "a small proportion", "a negligible amount", or "a mere sliver" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a tiny fraction" or "a small percentage"?

Both phrases indicate a small quantity, but "a tiny fraction" often implies a more negligible amount than "a small percentage". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a tiny fraction" and "a small part"?

"A small part" is a general term for a minor portion of something, while "a tiny fraction" specifically suggests that the portion is an extremely small proportion of the whole. "A small part" might still be noticeable, but ""a tiny fraction"" is barely perceptible.