in the proportion of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the proportion of" is correct and usable in written English.
This expression is often used to indicate the relative size or degree of something in comparison to another. For example, "The number of women in the office has increased over the last few years in the proportion of 60/40."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

There was also a significant increase in the proportion of smokers giving up the habit.

The Guardian

— The continuing rapid growth in the proportion of the Hispanic population in beyond doubt.

The New Yorker

This would require a significant increase in the proportion of UK waste diverted from landfill.

The Guardian

America has fallen to 9th in the proportion of young people with a college degree.

The Guardian

Where the recipes really differ is in the proportion of oats to fruit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We used to be number 1 in the proportion of college graduates, we now rank 9th.

The New Yorker

Thomson said there has been a 3% decrease in the proportion of high performers and a 5% increase in the proportion of low performers in scientific literacy from 2006 to 2015.

The Guardian

But still, I'm betting there won't be much change in the proportion of bad mothers in novels.

The Guardian - Books

But the rise in the proportion of tax on fuel is the result of the falling price.

The Guardian

Since 2000 Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island and New Mexico gained in the proportion of artists compared to all workers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Miliband, meanwhile, has suffered from a decrease in the proportion of people who approve of him – from 22% to 21%.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "in the proportion of" to specify numerical relationships, but consider simpler alternatives like "relative to" or "compared to" for general comparisons that do not require precise values.

Common error

Avoid using "in the proportion of" when a simple comparison or general description of quantity suffices. Overusing the phrase in informal contexts can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the proportion of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb by specifying a ratio or relative quantity. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing compositions, allocations, or comparative amounts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the proportion of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify ratios and relative quantities across various contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and common, appearing most frequently in news, scientific, and formal business domains. When writing with "in the proportion of", prioritize clarity and context to ensure proper usage, avoiding overuse in informal settings. Remember to consider alternatives like "relative to" or "compared to" when a numerical ratio isn't necessary. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "in the proportion of" in your writing to convey precise and informative comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relative to

Focuses on a comparison, indicating how one quantity relates to another.

in relation to

Similar to "relative to", but emphasizes the connection or association between the quantities.

compared to

Highlights the act of comparing two or more quantities.

in comparison with

A more formal way of saying "compared to", stressing a detailed examination of the quantities.

as a fraction of

Specifically refers to expressing a quantity as a part of a whole.

as a percentage of

Similar to "as a fraction of", but uses percentages to represent the relative quantity.

in terms of ratio

Emphasizes the mathematical relationship between quantities.

proportionally to

Indicates a direct relationship where quantities change at the same rate.

on a scale of

Implies a defined range or system for measuring the relative amount.

by way of distribution

Refers to how something is spread or allocated among different parts.

FAQs

How can I use "in the proportion of" in a sentence?

You can use "in the proportion of" to describe the relative quantity of something compared to another, such as, "The mixture contains sand and gravel in the proportion of two to one."

What are some alternatives to "in the proportion of"?

Consider using alternatives like "relative to", "compared to", or "as a fraction of" depending on the specific context.

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

While "in proportion to" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, "in the proportion of" is used when you are specifically referring to a numerical ratio or fraction. Otherwise, "in proportion to" is generally acceptable.

What's the difference between "in the proportion of" and "relative to"?

"In the proportion of" implies a specific numerical comparison or ratio, whereas "relative to" indicates a general relationship without necessarily specifying exact quantities. For example, 'The budget allocated to marketing is small relative to sales' versus 'The budget is allocated in the proportion of 10% to marketing and 90% to product development.'