a tiny proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small part or percentage of a whole in various contexts, such as statistics or comparisons. Example: "Only a tiny proportion of the population participated in the survey, indicating a lack of interest in the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Convictions represent a tiny proportion.

The Guardian - Opinion

A tiny proportion is consumed directly as human food.

The Guardian

But they represent a tiny proportion of the membership.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just as rubberised assassins represent a tiny proportion of women, these idiotic pebbledicks represent a tiny proportion of men.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only a tiny proportion of Brazilians own shares.

The Economist

As yet, only a tiny proportion goes offshore.

The Economist

That is a tiny proportion of the flying population.

The Economist

A tiny proportion of artists do that, so I don't even go there".

The Guardian

Each one is read, but we can only take up a tiny proportion of cases.

The Guardian - Money

The survey is a self-selecting snapshot of a tiny proportion of the NHS's overall workforce.

The Guardian

"If you look at the pianists represented by these agencies, a tiny proportion are women.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tiny proportion", ensure the context clearly establishes the whole being referenced, providing a basis for understanding the smallness of the proportion.

Common error

Avoid using "a tiny proportion" when the absolute number, even if a small percentage, still represents a significant quantity in real terms. For example, "a tiny proportion of the world's population" can still equate to millions of people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny proportion" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun represents a small part of a whole. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability, demonstrating its established role in English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

18%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

25%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tiny proportion" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating a small part of a whole. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the abundance of examples demonstrates its prevalence in various contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "a small fraction" or "a minuscule amount" exist, "a tiny proportion" provides a balanced and versatile option for expressing a minimal quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fraction

This alternative emphasizes the small part of a whole, similar to "a tiny proportion", but uses the word "fraction".

a minuscule amount

This alternative emphasizes the extremely small quantity, using "minuscule" to highlight the minimal size.

a negligible quantity

This alternative focuses on the insignificance of the amount, implying it's so small it can be disregarded.

an insignificant portion

This alternative highlights the lack of importance of the part relative to the whole.

a sliver

This alternative paints a picture of a very thin, narrow portion.

a mere handful

This alternative specifies a small number of items or people.

a drop in the ocean

This alternative conveys the idea that something is so small it has little or no impact.

hardly any

This alternative is a more informal way to express a very small quantity.

a scattering

This alternative suggests a small, dispersed amount.

next to nothing

This alternative emphasizes that the quantity is practically zero.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tiny proportion" to indicate that only a small part of a larger group or amount is being referred to. For example, "Only "a tiny proportion" of applicants were selected for the interview."

What's the difference between "a tiny proportion" and "a small percentage"?

"A tiny proportion" is a more qualitative way of saying something is a small part of the whole, while "a small percentage" is more quantitative, specifying the exact numerical value of that part. While they are often interchangeable, "a small percentage" can be more precise.

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

You can use alternatives like "a small fraction", "a minuscule amount", or "a negligible quantity" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a tiny proportion" in formal writing?

Yes, it's generally appropriate, but ensure the tone matches the overall formality. In some very formal or scientific contexts, a more precise term like "a small percentage" or a specific numerical fraction might be preferred. Also, consider if alternatives like "a small fraction" would work better.