between a half and

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "between a half and" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying a range of values, typically in numerical contexts, such as measurements or quantities. Example: "The temperature is expected to be between a half and one degree above freezing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

That is between a half and a third of that in a traditional plant.

The Economist

FOR several years Argentina's government has pretended that inflation is between a half and a third of its true rate.

The Economist

"The baseline temperature on the Great Barrier Reef has gone up between a half and a full degree, depending on where you are," he says.

The Guardian

Their total debt (private and corporate) was between a half and a third of that in the UK and the US.

Harvard Business Review

The hope was to reduce deaths caused by them, by 2015, by between a half and three-quarters of their 1990 levels.

The Economist

That is between a half and a third of the amount that go to professional football games in European countries each year.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The unofficial estimate of G.M's stake run between five and a half and six million.

The New Yorker

The five men are now serving between eight and a half and fourteen years.

The New Yorker

The average member of Parliament probably has between one and a half and two million constituents.

The New Yorker

The ball is round, N.B.A.-approved, with between seven and a half and eight and a half pounds of pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

New York racing officials expect between two and a half and three and half inches of rain to accumulate.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "between a half and", ensure that the units being measured are consistent and clearly defined. For instance, "between a half and a full degree Celsius" is clearer than simply "between a half and a full degree."

Common error

Avoid using "between a half and" when referring to abstract or non-numerical concepts. For example, instead of saying "the difference is between a half and a significant amount", quantify "significant amount" or rephrase the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "between a half and" functions as a range specifier, indicating an interval between two values. Ludwig AI shows this is used to express quantities, measurements, or periods of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "between a half and" serves as a range specifier, commonly used to indicate an interval between two values. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts. Its prevalence is notable in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedias, establishing its neutral register. When using "between a half and", it's essential to maintain consistency in units and clarity in expressing ranges. Alternatives include phrases like "ranging from one half to" or "from a half up to", offering flexibility in phrasing while conveying similar meanings. With a solid expert rating and versatile application, this phrase proves useful across different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ranging from one half to

Replaces "between a half and" with a more formal "ranging from" structure.

from one half up to

Uses "from...up to" to define the range instead of "between...and".

in the range of half to

Expresses the range using "in the range of".

anywhere from a half to

Adds "anywhere from" for a less precise feel.

approximately a half to

Introduces approximation with "approximately".

about a half to

Uses "about" to indicate an estimate.

in the vicinity of a half to

A more formal way of saying approximately.

varying from a half to

Emphasizes the variation within the range.

a spread of a half to

Highlights the spread or extent of the range.

from a half all the way to

Adds emphasis to the upper limit of the range.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "between a half and" in a sentence?

The phrase "between a half and" is used to indicate a range or an approximation, for example: "The estimated cost is between a half and one million dollars."

What are some alternatives to "between a half and"?

You can use alternatives like "ranging from one half to", "from one half up to", or "in the range of half to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "between one half and" instead of "between a half and"?

Both "between a half and" and "between one half and" are grammatically correct, but "between a half and" is more commonly used. Consider the specific context for clarity and flow.

Can I use "between a half and" with units of measurement other than numerical values?

While primarily used with numerical values or measurements, you can use it with other quantifiable units such as time. For example, "the process takes "between a half and three hours"."