in proportion to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in proportion to' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something grows or changes in the same ratio as another thing. For example, "As the number of students increased, the number of teaching staff increased in proportion to the student body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In proportion to his talent.

The Guardian - Sport

Mobcaps vary in size in proportion to the hairstyles.

Yale University

It is larger in proportion to his or her body.

Harvard University

Freight rates on ice are high in proportion to value.

Cornell University

"Open space is allocated in proportion to units," he said.

The New York Times

Showing photographs in proportion to the casualties is ludicrous.

The New York Times

Modesty and social restraint swell in proportion to combat experience.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prices still rise in proportion to ripeness levels.

The New York Times - Food

We increased our ad spending in proportion to growth.

Harvard Business Review

You protect each corporate resource in proportion to its value.

Harvard Business Review

'Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage'.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in proportion to", ensure that the relationship between the two elements is clearly defined and logical. This enhances the clarity and precision of your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming a direct proportional relationship when an inverse relationship exists. For instance, stating "Effort decreases in proportion to success" incorrectly implies more success leads to more effort. Be mindful of the actual correlation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in proportion to" functions as a prepositional phrase that establishes a relationship of proportionality between two quantities or entities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It indicates that as one quantity changes, the other changes in a related manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in proportion to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a relationship where two quantities or entities change in a consistent ratio. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news and media. It’s essential to ensure that the proportional relationship you are describing is accurate to avoid misleading your audience. Related phrases, such as "relative to" and "commensurate with", can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Being aware of the subtle differences in meaning can improve the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proportional to

A more concise and direct synonym, omitting "in" for a slightly more formal tone.

in relation to

This alternative focuses on the connection or association between two things, rather than direct proportionality.

relative to

Similar to "in relation to", but often implies a comparison against a specific standard or baseline.

corresponding to

Indicates a direct match or parallel, implying a one-to-one relationship.

commensurate with

Suggests that something is appropriately sized or measured in comparison to something else, especially rewards or penalties.

in direct ratio with

Emphasizes the numerical relationship between two quantities.

as a function of

Often used in mathematical or scientific contexts to indicate a dependent relationship.

scaled to

Implies that something has been adjusted in size or magnitude to match something else.

dependent on

Highlights the reliance of one variable on another, where changes in one affect the other.

consistent with

Indicates agreement or alignment in magnitude or degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "in proportion to" to show how one thing changes in relation to another, such as, "The reward should be "in proportion to" the effort invested."

What phrases can I use instead of "in proportion to"?

Alternatives include "relative to", "commensurate with", or "proportional to", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "proportional to" instead of "in proportion to"?

Yes, "proportional to" is a correct and more concise alternative. The inclusion of "in" adds a slightly more formal tone, but both are acceptable.

What is the difference between "in proportion to" and "in relation to"?

"In proportion to" implies a direct and measurable correspondence, whereas "in relation to" suggests a broader connection or association without necessarily implying a specific ratio or scale.