above half

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "above half" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that exceeds fifty percent of a whole. Example: "The survey results showed that above half of the participants preferred option A over option B."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

But Moleskine's share price has generally been declining, especially over the past few months, and the stock is now at a little above half of its original level.

The New Yorker

When it comes to inspiration, Mr. Yazbek, above, half Jewish and half Arab, is something of a pantheist, drawing on sources as diverse as Captain Beefheart, the German group Can, early Godard movies and Tin Pan Alley.

The New York Times

For comparison, our marketing department estimates median (half above, half below) household income of FORBES readers at $167,000.

Forbes

The median (half above, half below) FORBES subscriber has a household income of $167,000, according to the last count published by our marketing department in 1998.

Forbes

Incomes, once just above half the state average, reached the average by 1980.

The New York Times

Credible estimates range from just above half a million to more than two million.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Under standard conditions (i.e., pH = 7), the above half-cell reaction has a redox potential (E0) of 1.33 V showing that the overall reaction in the MFC for power generation is thermodynamically favorable.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

WASHINGTON — Tall cranes dot the sky along 14th Street N.W., hovering above half-finished high rises that are replacing vacant lots and low-slung buildings.

The New York Times

And when we want to turn, we say, 'O.K., turn.' " The two made money by creating advertisements that shopkeepers hung above half-empty store shelves.

The New York Times

Though we begin to recover from our local tragedy, horrors persist internationally, and it feels inappropriate to raise the flag above half-mast until the entire world is at peace.

The New Yorker

The above half-discrete inequalities are some refinements of (37 - 40 37 - 40

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "above half", consider the context and whether a more precise term, such as a percentage or fraction, would be more appropriate for clarity. It's often better to say "more than half" for general audiences.

Common error

Avoid using "above half" when you need to be precise. While grammatically correct, it's less specific than stating the exact percentage or using terms like "majority" if the difference is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "above half" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating a quantity or proportion exceeding 50%. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across various domains, confirming its grammatical correctness as also stated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "above half" is used to express a quantity greater than 50%. While grammatically sound, it's not as common as alternatives like "more than half". Ludwig's analysis, backed by real-world examples and confirmed by Ludwig AI, indicates that it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While acceptable, it is better to consider a more specific term for clarity. For general use, “more than half” could be considered more appropriate because it's widely accepted and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than half

This is a more common and generally interchangeable alternative that directly states a quantity greater than 50%.

greater than half

Similar to "more than half", but slightly more formal and emphasizes the size difference.

over half

A slightly less formal but equally common way of expressing a quantity exceeding 50%.

exceeding half

More formal and emphasizes the act of surpassing the halfway point.

slightly more than half

Highlights that the amount is only marginally over 50%.

a majority

Implies a significant portion exceeding half, suggesting a dominant share.

in excess of half

A more formal and emphatic way to say "more than half".

a good portion above half

Implies a noticeable amount above half.

well over fifty percent

A more precise and emphatic way of stating a percentage significantly greater than 50%.

just over half

Indicates the quantity is barely bigger than 50%

FAQs

What does "above half" mean?

The phrase "above half" means more than 50% of a given quantity or total. It indicates that a portion is larger than the halfway point but doesn't specify the exact amount.

What can I say instead of "above half"?

You can use alternatives like "more than half", "over half", or "greater than half". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to say "above half" or "more than half"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "more than half" is generally preferred for its clarity and common usage. "Above half" is slightly less frequent but still acceptable.

When should I use "above half"?

Use "above half" when you want to indicate a quantity that exceeds 50% without specifying the exact amount. However, in most contexts, "more than half" or a more precise term would be preferable.