constitute a percentage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constitute a percentage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how a certain quantity or group makes up a specific portion of a whole. Example: "The new policies are expected to constitute a percentage of the overall budget for the upcoming fiscal year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It well separates into a constant noise floor and the left-skewed subpopulation of differentially expressed genes constituting a percentage of about 66% of all genes available.

BioData Mining

By their own admission, conservative punks constitute a small percentage of their particular subculture.

The New York Times - Style

I do think that they will constitute a smaller percentage of the overall economy.

The New York Times

These constitute a tiny percentage of the land owned and used by half a billion rural Africans across the continent.

The Guardian

Along with food and live animals, fish from the Red Sea constitute a significant percentage of the country's exports.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Granger, who says growlers constitute a large percentage of his sales, has tried to avoid that possibility.

The New York Times - Food

Studies of stomach contents of Galapagos sharks reveal that fish constitute a significant percentage of the food they consume.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to the F.B.I. report, "although individuals with military backgrounds constitute a small percentage of white supremacist extremists, they frequently occupy leadership roles".

The New York Times

"We discussed the future of the World Service, including commercial funding, and I was clear that this would only ever constitute a small percentage of our overall budget".

The Guardian

Having controlled the Kivu provinces for 12 years, Rwanda will not relinquish access to resources that constitute a significant percentage of its gross national product.

The New York Times

Deep and shallow groundwaters constitute a small percentage of the total water locked in the pores of sedimentary rocks—on the order of 3 to 15 percent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For greater accuracy, specify the source and method used to determine the percentage when employing the phrase "constitute a percentage" in formal writing or reports.

Common error

Avoid implying causation when stating that something "constitutes a percentage" of another. Correlation doesn't necessarily mean one causes the other; always present supporting evidence if a causal relationship is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute a percentage" functions as a quantitative descriptor. It's used to specify what portion of a whole is made up by a specific element or group. Although Ludwig lacks direct examples for this phrase, the function is clear and conforms to standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constitute a percentage" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English used to describe the proportional relationship between a part and a whole. While Ludwig shows no direct examples of its usage, its function is well-defined. Alternatives such as ""represent a portion"" or ""account for a fraction"" offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance. When using the phrase, clarity and precision are key to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent a portion

Focuses on the idea of representing a part of a whole, emphasizing representation over composition.

account for a fraction

Highlights the idea of taking up a specific part, often smaller, of a total amount.

make up a share

Emphasizes the idea of contributing to a larger whole, focusing on contribution.

form a segment

Highlights that the phrase constitutes part of a larger segment.

comprise a ratio

Highlights the relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things.

consist of a part

Focuses on the idea that something is made up of a certain element, emphasizing composition.

occupy a proportion

Highlights the amount or level of something.

equate to a rate

Highlights that the amount is measured, quantified, or assessed in some way.

total a fraction

Emphasizes the idea of reaching a specific sum or amount, expressed as a fraction.

reflect a segment

The proportion indicates or shows a segment of a greater total.

FAQs

How can I use "constitute a percentage" in a sentence?

You can use "constitute a percentage" to indicate that a particular part makes up a certain portion of a whole. For example, "Renewable energy sources constitute a percentage of the total energy supply."

What are some alternatives to "constitute a percentage"?

Alternatives include phrases like "represent a portion", "account for a fraction", or "make up a share", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "constitute a percentage" or "make up a percentage"?

"Constitute a percentage" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "make up a percentage", which is more conversational. The choice depends on the context and audience.

How do I avoid ambiguity when using "constitute a percentage"?

To avoid ambiguity, clearly define what the 'whole' is when using "constitute a percentage". Provide context and specify the total being referenced to prevent misinterpretation.