a tiny fraction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny fraction of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small part or portion of something in various contexts, such as statistics, comparisons, or quantities. Example: "Only a tiny fraction of the population participated in the survey, highlighting the need for broader outreach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

But only a tiny fraction of this reaches the fuel.

The Guardian

They settled for a tiny fraction of that.

The New Yorker

The benefits cut is a tiny fraction of that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tiny fraction of", ensure the context clearly establishes what the whole is to which the fraction refers, providing a frame of reference for understanding the small proportion.

Common error

Avoid using "a tiny fraction of" when the small portion actually has a significant impact or importance. Choose a phrase that accurately reflects the impact, even if the quantity is small.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny fraction of" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating a very small quantity or proportion of something. Ludwig shows it's used to emphasize the limited extent or amount of a particular item or group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tiny fraction of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a small portion of something, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general discourse. When writing, it's important to contextualize the phrase with a clear reference to the whole and avoid using it when the small portion carries disproportionate significance. Alternatives like "a small percentage of" or "a negligible amount of" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Ludwig's examples showcase its prevalence in authoritative sources, confirming its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small percentage of

Emphasizes the proportional aspect using "percentage".

a minute portion of

Uses "minute" to highlight the extremely small size of the portion.

a negligible amount of

Focuses on the insignificance of the amount.

an insignificant part of

Highlights the lack of importance of the part.

a drop in the ocean

Idiomatic expression indicating a very small quantity compared to a larger whole.

a mere sliver of

Uses "sliver" to suggest a thin, narrow piece or amount.

a trace amount of

Suggests an amount so small it's barely detectable.

next to nothing of

Informal expression indicating a very small or nonexistent amount.

hardly any of

Directly indicates a scarcity or near absence.

a smidgen of

Informal term for a very small amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tiny fraction of" to indicate a small portion or amount of something. For example: "A tiny fraction of the students understood the complex concept."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a small percentage of", "a negligible amount of", or "a minute portion of", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a tiny fraction of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tiny fraction of" is suitable for formal writing, though you might consider more precise or technical language depending on the specific field or discipline. Consider phrases like "a small proportion of" or "a minimal segment of" for added formality.

How does "a tiny fraction of" differ from "a significant portion of"?

"A tiny fraction of" indicates a very small part, while "a significant portion of" indicates a notable or substantial part. They are opposite in meaning.