high proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

'high proportion' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a quantity or percentage that is a large portion or significant portion of a given set of numbers or data. For example, "The survey found that a high proportion of the population had access to computers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a high proportion.

The Economist

To some of us, that remains an alarmingly high proportion.

The Guardian

A very high proportion who take it are not addicts.

The Guardian - Opinion

A high proportion were refugees living in Pakistan.

The Guardian

A high proportion, too, have glistening foreheads and bulging corporations.

The New Yorker

But a very high proportion of the Paris attackers did.

The Guardian

A high proportion of runners will be running at 160bpm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The population includes a high proportion of Tai.

Britannica

a remarkably high proportion for a Presidential election.

The New York Times

Through efficient transfer, a high proportion reaches the drive wheel.

The New York Times

The other 224 have been sterilised, a remarkably high proportion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "high proportion", ensure you specify the total against which the proportion is measured to provide context and clarity. For example, instead of saying "A high proportion of students failed", say "A high proportion of students failed the exam".

Common error

Avoid using "high proportion" without providing specific context or a clear reference group. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement. Instead of saying "A high proportion are affected", specify "A high proportion of the population are affected by the new policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high proportion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It quantifies a substantial part of a whole. Ludwig confirms it is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it being used to describe populations, data sets and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high proportion" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant part of a whole. According to Ludwig, it's considered correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is frequently encountered in various sources, including news, scientific publications, and business documents, and its usage is generally neutral to formal. Alternatives include phrases like "large percentage" or "significant amount". When using this phrase, make sure to provide sufficient context for clarity and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large percentage

Replaces "proportion" with "percentage", directly indicating a part out of a hundred.

significant amount

Focuses on the quantity being substantial or noteworthy.

considerable fraction

Uses "fraction" as a more formal alternative to "proportion", emphasizing the part-whole relationship.

substantial portion

Emphasizes the size of the share or part being referenced.

majority

Implies more than half, indicating a dominant share.

large segment

Highlights a notable section or division of a whole.

preponderance

Indicates a greater weight or influence, implying a dominant quantity.

marked degree

Shifts focus to the extent or level being notably high.

notable quantity

Highlights the amount as worthy of attention or recognition.

ample measure

Suggests a generous or plentiful amount.

FAQs

How can I use "high proportion" in a sentence?

You can use "high proportion" to indicate that a significant part of a group or quantity possesses a certain characteristic. For example: "A "high proportion" of the participants were women".

What are some alternatives to saying "high proportion"?

Alternatives include phrases like "large percentage", "significant amount", or "considerable fraction". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it more appropriate to use "high proportion" or "large proportion"?

"High proportion" and "large proportion" are largely interchangeable, but "high proportion" is slightly more common in formal writing. Consider the surrounding words to make sure the flow of the sentence is correct no matter which you choose.

What does "high proportion" imply about the rest of the group?

When you say "high proportion", it implies that a substantial part of a group exhibits a certain characteristic, leaving a smaller, but potentially still significant, part that does not.