around a third plus a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around a third plus a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when estimating a quantity that is slightly more than one-third of a whole. Example: "The survey indicated that around a third plus a bit of respondents preferred option A over option B."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes...".. Third sniggered a bit.

Harvard University

The third is a bit more complicated.

The New York Times

Try pacing around and jumping a bit!

WikiHow

His comments, first, were a bit condescending.

The New York Times

But first I did a bit of sniffing around the table.

The New York Times - Magazine

First impressions: Looks a bit like something Sporty Spice might have waved around on stage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

2/5 First impressions: Looks a bit like something Sporty Spice might have waved around on stage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

First, a bit of history.

The New York Times

First, a bit of autobiography.

The New York Times

First, a bit of biology.

The New York Times

But first a bit of sun.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "around a third plus a bit", ensure that the context involves estimation or approximation, as it's not suitable for precise numerical data.

Common error

Avoid using "around a third plus a bit" when exact figures are available or necessary, as this phrase inherently introduces ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around a third plus a bit" functions as an approximating quantifier, indicating a quantity slightly greater than one-third. It's used to provide an estimation rather than a precise measurement.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "around a third plus a bit" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a quantity slightly more than one-third. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. However, its informality may make it less suitable for formal or academic writing. While it lacks specific examples in the provided data, its alternatives offer similar means of expressing approximation. When precision is paramount, using exact numbers or percentages is advisable. The phrase is best used when estimation is acceptable and a general sense of proportion is sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly more than a third

Directly states the value is somewhat greater than a third.

a little over a third

Simpler and more direct way of saying something exceeds a third.

just over one third

Emphasizes that the quantity barely exceeds a third.

about a third and change

Informal way to indicate a bit more than a third.

approximately thirty-five percent

Expresses the quantity as a percentage, giving a more precise value while remaining an approximation.

in the neighborhood of thirty-five percent

Indicates a value close to 35%, which is slightly more than a third.

roughly thirty percent or more

Specifies a lower bound with an allowance for a slightly higher value.

something like thirty-three percent plus

Breaks down the approximation into a base of 33% with an added increment.

one third plus a margin

Highlights that there's a degree of uncertainty or allowance beyond a third.

a third-ish

Casual and shortened form meaning approximately a third.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "around a third plus a bit" for more formal writing?

For formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "approximately thirty-five percent" or "slightly more than a third". These options offer increased precision and professionalism compared to "around a third plus a bit".

Is it appropriate to use "around a third plus a bit" in academic papers?

While grammatically correct, "around a third plus a bit" may be too informal for academic papers. Opt for more precise language or quantitative data when available. If approximation is necessary, phrases like "approximately one third" or "slightly more than 30 percent" are better choices.

What's a less verbose alternative to "around a third plus a bit"?

A shorter alternative would be "a little over a third". This retains the meaning while reducing the word count.

How accurate is the phrase "around a third plus a bit"?

The accuracy of "around a third plus a bit" depends on the context, but it generally suggests a value close to 35%. For situations requiring higher precision, providing specific numbers or percentages is recommended.