fifty per cent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fifty per cent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a proportion or percentage, typically in contexts involving statistics, finance, or surveys. Example: "The survey revealed that fifty per cent of participants preferred option A over option B."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Schubert's pen," he said, "was fifty per cent ink, fifty per cent tears".

The New Yorker

It is a grim and significant irony that poor shooters in the N.B.A. hover just below fifty per cent, while good shooters rest just above fifty per cent.

The New Yorker

At most fifty per cent.

The New Yorker

"Fifty per cent.

The Guardian

"About fifty per cent," he told me.

The New Yorker

He raised my rate fifty per cent.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Fifty-per cent of all lamellar defects had an associated ERM.

British Journal of Ophthalmology

That's right, thirteen forty-ninee per cent to thirty-six per cent.

The New Yorker

Adler won, fifty-seven per cent to forty-three per cent.

The New Yorker

"I get thirty per cent, they get seventy per cent.

The New Yorker

Not one hundred per cent and not fifty-five per cent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about survey results or statistical data, ensure that the "fifty per cent" you're referring to is clearly defined within the context of the sample or population.

Common error

Avoid using "fifty per cent" without clearly defining what constitutes the whole. Ensure the reader understands what the percentage is based on to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fifty per cent" functions as a quantitative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a proportion equivalent to one half or 50/100. As shown by Ludwig, it's a standard way to express proportions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fifty per cent" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a proportion equivalent to one half. As indicated by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal reports to news articles, with the main objective of providing a precise quantification. While the alternatives such as "half" are acceptable, "fifty per cent" brings more emphasis on precision and statistical rigor. This expression is used in a Neutral register and is seen frequently in contexts such as News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

50%

This is the numerical representation of fifty per cent.

fifty percent

A variation in spelling, without the space.

half

This is a simpler, more direct synonym for fifty per cent.

one half

This is a more formal way of saying half.

fifty out of one hundred

This phrase explains the percentage in terms of a fraction.

a 50/50 split

This phrase emphasizes an equal division.

an even division

This highlights the equality of the two parts.

fifty-fifty

An abbreviated and informal version of fifty per cent.

the other half

This refers to the remaining portion when something is divided in two.

partially

This implies a division but is less precise.

FAQs

How do I use "fifty per cent" in a sentence?

You can use "fifty per cent" to express a proportion or a percentage, indicating half of something. For example, "Fifty per cent of the students passed the exam." or "The company offered a fifty per cent discount."

Is it correct to write "fifty percent" instead of "fifty per cent"?

Yes, "fifty percent" is a commonly accepted alternative spelling. Both are grammatically correct, but "fifty per cent" is slightly more formal.

What are some informal alternatives to "fifty per cent"?

Informal alternatives include "half" or "50/50 split". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

When should I use "fifty per cent" instead of "half"?

Use "fifty per cent" when precision is important or when dealing with statistical data. Use "half" in less formal contexts where an approximate value is sufficient.