at a fraction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a fraction of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is available for a significantly lower price or cost compared to the usual or expected amount. Example: "You can purchase this high-quality software at a fraction of the original price during the sale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Travel

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Zimbabwe is at a fraction of capacity.

The New York Times

Here's a homemade version at a fraction of the cost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An almost Big Mac at a fraction of the price.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their shares trade at a fraction of their book value.

The Economist

They're living at a fraction of what they could be.

The New York Times

At lunchtime, ski to Cervinia in Italy, for gorgeous food at a fraction of Swiss prices.

The Guardian - Travel

Typically, the loans are bought at a fraction of their face value.

The Guardian - Business

And this technical wizardry is all being delivered at a fraction of the price.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the time we got there Huvafen Fushi was at a fraction of capacity.

The Guardian - Travel

This unit would be very profitable at a fraction of that price".

The Guardian

Lessons are available at a fraction of the price of any of the Alpine resorts.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, make sure the comparison is clear. Specify what the "fraction" is in relation to. For example, "available at a fraction of the original cost" is clearer than just "available at a fraction".

Common error

Avoid using "at a fraction of" without specifying what the fraction relates to. Vague statements like "available at a fraction" lack context and can confuse readers. Ensure you clarify what is being reduced, be it cost, size, or capacity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a fraction of" functions as a prepositional modifier, typically modifying a noun or verb phrase. It specifies the degree to which something is reduced compared to its original or expected value. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing reduced cost, size, or capacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Opinion

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a fraction of" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a significant reduction in something, whether it be cost, size, or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its usage is prevalent across various contexts, especially in news, business, and lifestyle content, making it a valuable tool for expressing substantial reductions. To maximize clarity, it's best to specify what the "fraction" refers to, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives like "at a small percentage of" or "for a portion of" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a small percentage of

Emphasizes the small proportion relative to the whole.

for a fraction of the price

Specifically highlights the reduced monetary cost.

at a reduced rate

Focuses on the decreased value or tariff.

at a cut price

Primarily used in British English to mean cheaply.

at a discount

Highlights a reduction from the standard price.

for pennies on the dollar

Implies an extremely low cost, often in financial contexts.

at a snippet of

Focuses on reducing the quantity but retaining the same features.

for a portion of

Highlights that the price is only part of the cost.

a shadow of

Indicates a significant decrease in power or quality.

merely a vestige of

Indicates that only a small amount remains.

FAQs

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

Use "at a fraction of" to indicate something is available for significantly less. For example, "You can buy generic medications "at a fraction of" the price of brand-name drugs."

What's a similar phrase to "at a fraction of"?

Similar phrases include "at a small percentage of", "for a fraction of the price", or "at a reduced rate".

Is it better to say "at a fraction of the cost" or "for a fraction of the price"?

Both "at a fraction of the cost" and "for a fraction of the price" are acceptable. "Cost" is more general, referring to expenses, while "price" refers specifically to the monetary value. Choose the one that best fits the context.

Can "at a fraction of" refer to things other than money?

Yes, "at a fraction of" can refer to things other than money, such as capacity or size. For example, "The company is operating "at a fraction of" its full capacity."