constitute a significant fraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constitute a significant fraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the proportion or percentage of a particular group or element within a larger context. Example: "In the recent survey, respondents aged 18-24 constituted a significant fraction of the total participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"For many subprime servicers, late fees alone constitute a significant fraction of their total income and profit," said Diane E. Thompson, a lawyer for the National Consumer Law Center, in testimony to the Senate Banking Committee this month.

The New York Times

Membrane proteins constitute a significant fraction of the proteome and are important drug targets.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes

Propagation life is found to constitute a significant fraction of total life.

International Journal of Fatigue

This chapter explains how drug drug interactions constitute a significant fraction of avoidable adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Pharmacology Principles and Practice

Even for countries with relatively low EEZ-land area ratios such as Pakistan (26%), we find that sediment stocks can constitute a significant fraction of total carbon stocks.

Carbon Balance and Management

Normal alkanes constitute a significant fraction of transportation fuels, and are the primary drivers of ignition processes in gasoline and diesel fuels.

Combustion and Flame

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Recovery and purification of organic acids produced in fermentation constitutes a significant fraction of total production cost.

Bioresource Technology

This is very important especially when bioprocessing of second generation biomasses is targeted since xylose constitutes a significant fraction of the sugars content.

AMB Express

Poly bisphenol A carbonate) or polycarbonate (PC) constitutes a significant fraction of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, mainly due to its high production and consumption rate and its variety of applications.

Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis

The power dissipation of cache system thus constitutes a significant fraction of the power dissipated by the entire processor in embedded systems.

Journal of Systems Architecture

This is of particular importance for specimens with reduced wall thicknesses, where the affected substrate constitutes a significant fraction of the material.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about statistics, ensure your claim can be backed with quantifiable information.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "constitute a significant fraction" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "make up a big part" or "are a large portion" for better suitability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute a significant fraction" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a specific element makes up a noteworthy part of a larger whole. It expresses a proportional relationship, highlighting the importance of the element within the context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

88%

News & Media

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constitute a significant fraction" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize that something makes up a noteworthy portion of a whole. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Primarily found in science, news and media contexts, it is best suited for formal writing and less appropriate for casual conversation. Alternatives include "represent a considerable portion" or "make up a substantial part". Remember to use this phrase when precision and formality are desired, and always ensure quantifiable evidence backs your claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent a considerable portion

This alternative uses "represent" instead of "constitute" and "considerable" instead of "significant", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning.

make up a substantial part

"Make up" replaces "constitute", and "substantial part" replaces "significant fraction", providing a more informal tone.

account for a large percentage

This alternative uses a more quantitative approach, replacing "fraction" with "percentage" and "significant" with "large".

form a notable segment

"Form" substitutes "constitute", and "notable segment" replaces "significant fraction", offering a slightly more formal tone.

comprise a major share

"Comprise" is a more formal synonym for "constitute", and "major share" replaces "significant fraction" to indicate importance.

represent a sizable amount

"Sizable amount" is used in place of "significant fraction", focusing on the quantity.

constitute an important element

This version replaces "significant fraction" with "important element" which can be used to describe abstract contexts where the fraction isn't literal.

comprise a considerable segment

A combination of previous alternatives, using "comprise" and "considerable" to create a formal and descriptive phrase.

make up a meaningful proportion

"Meaningful proportion" is used instead of "significant fraction" to emphasize importance.

form a considerable portion

Very similar to "represent a considerable portion", but using "form" instead of "represent".

FAQs

How can I use "constitute a significant fraction" in a sentence?

You can use "constitute a significant fraction" to indicate that something forms a notable portion of a whole. For example, "Renewable energy sources "constitute a significant fraction" of the country's total energy production".

What are some alternatives to "constitute a significant fraction"?

Alternatives include "represent a considerable portion", "make up a substantial part", or "account for a large percentage". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "constitute a significant fraction" or "are a significant portion"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "constitute a significant fraction" is generally more formal. "Are a significant portion" is simpler and more common in everyday language. Choose based on the intended audience and tone.

What does it mean when something "constitutes a significant fraction"?

It means that something represents a noticeably large part of a whole. The term "significant" implies that the fraction is important or noteworthy, not just a small or negligible amount.