a wide proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wide proportion" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when discussing a significant or large percentage of a particular group or category. Example: "A wide proportion of the population supports the new policy changes."

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Three ethylene butene copolymers (two metallocene-based and one conventional) having different composition distributions were blended with low density polyethylene (LDPE) in a wide proportion range.

Polymer

L'Equipe reported that the scientific advisor to the French Agency Against Doping (AFLD), Professor Xavier Bigard, said in interviews with athletes at last year's European Games in Baku that a wide proportion of athletes admitted taking meldonium.

The Guardian - Sport

The vaccine may thus be a source of cognate help for HIV-specific CD8+ T cells elicited by conventional immunogens, in a wide proportion of vaccinees.

Plosone

Despite the fast moving human genome discoveries in a wide proportion of diseases having large public health impact, however, the promise of personalized healthcare has far lagged behind due the complexity involved [ 1].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As a wider proportion of the populace obtained a secondary education in the later 19th century, geometry courses departed from slavish dependence on Euclid, despite strong opposition from traditionalists like Lewis Carroll, the Oxford don who wrote Alice in Wonderland.

Britannica

This approach contrasts with the current method of using genome annotation to guide assay design, allowing a far greater number of assays to be designed over a wider proportion of the genome.

Bioinformatics

Round hand has a relatively wide proportion of width to height in its small letters, and they are joined by steeply angled (40 45 degree) hairlines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's a wide, cartoonish proportion that enables them to float in snow (up to a point).

Forbes

The constant of proportionality for each branch is determined by the genome wide proportion.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Between the years 2000 and 2050, the world wide proportion of persons over 65 years of age is expected to more than double, from the current 6.9%to16.4%4% [ 6].

BMC Psychiatry

b Average values except for the measure for expression divergence (Expr-Div), where the value provided should be considered the genome wide proportion of differentially expressed genes.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a wide proportion", consider whether a more specific term like "percentage", "share", or "segment" would provide greater clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "wide" generically when a more precise descriptor of quantity exists. For example, instead of saying "a wide proportion of people", specify "a large percentage" or "a significant number" if those terms are more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wide proportion" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a significant quantity or share of something. Ludwig's analysis suggests this phrase is acceptable but less common than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wide proportion" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to denote a significant amount or share. However, Ludwig AI indicates it is less common than alternatives like "a large percentage" or "a significant proportion". Usage leans toward formal contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedias. When writing, consider whether more specific terms would enhance clarity, and be mindful of overuse. Although acceptable, adopting more common synonyms can improve the naturalness and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large proportion

Replaces "wide" with "large", emphasizing the quantity or size of the proportion.

a broad proportion

Uses "broad" as a synonym for "wide", keeping the meaning very close to the original.

a significant proportion

Substitutes "wide" with "significant", highlighting the importance or impact of the proportion.

a considerable proportion

Replaces "wide" with "considerable", suggesting that the proportion is worth noting or paying attention to.

a substantial proportion

Changes "wide" to "substantial", indicating a sizable and meaningful amount.

a good proportion

Uses "good" instead of "wide", implying that the proportion is favorable or adequate.

a sizable proportion

Replaces "wide" with "sizable", focusing on the relatively large size of the proportion.

a notable proportion

Substitutes "wide" with "notable", suggesting that the proportion is worthy of attention or recognition.

a marked proportion

Changes "wide" to "marked", highlighting that the proportion is clearly evident or noticeable.

a generous proportion

Replaces "wide" with "generous", implying the proportion is more than adequate or expected.

FAQs

What's a more common way to say "a wide proportion"?

Alternatives include "a large percentage", "a significant share", or "a substantial portion". These options are often more direct and familiar to readers.

Is it grammatically incorrect to use "a wide proportion"?

No, it's grammatically acceptable, but according to Ludwig it may sound less natural than other options. Phrases like "a large proportion" or "a significant proportion" might be preferred for clarity and impact.

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

You could say, "A wide proportion of the participants agreed with the proposed changes." However, consider if "a large percentage" would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a wider proportion" and "a wide proportion"?

"A wider proportion" usually implies a comparison, suggesting an increase or expansion compared to something else. "A wide proportion" simply describes a large portion without direct comparison.