insufficient proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insufficient proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity or ratio that is not adequate or satisfactory in a given context. Example: "The study revealed an insufficient proportion of participants who met the criteria for inclusion in the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The words "which have led to an insufficient proportion of our population educated in science, mathematics, and modern language and trained in technology" were deleted, as was the reference to giving preference in student loans to those preparing to teach and those with superior capacity in mathematics, science, engineering, or a modern foreign language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, in the current situation where international donors are not providing additional financial support, countries where an insufficient proportion of persons in need of ART are receiving treatment may prioritize employing and training additional clinical and laboratory staff to provide patient care over investing resources to develop and maintain an EMR system.

Plosone

This low level of effective coverage means that an insufficient proportion of the malaria parasite reservoir in the human population was reached to substantially reduce malaria transmission.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

We argue that the risk of sporadic introduction is likely high, though currently an insufficient proportion of such introductions coincide with optimal environmental conditions.

Emerging Microbes and Infections

However, in high-prevalence countries there may be considerable difficulty in using this technique, as an insufficient proportion of cases may be captured for testing [ 6].

European Respiratory Journal

Only 0.4% of children had the highest hygiene score, an insufficient proportion to account for the several fold rise in atopy that has been seen across the whole population.

Clinical and Experimental Allergy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

However, the insufficient increase in the proportion and/or the decrease in the absolute number of Tregs result in a failure to control immune activation following TI.

Plosone

The inefficiency of Tregs to control immune activation in the context of TI may result from the decrease in the absolute numbers of Tregs and/or an insufficient increase in the proportion of Tregs or from a defect in Treg suppressive function.

Plosone

The proportion of insufficient information to calculate the score (missing items > 20%) was the highest for the sexual (10.7-12.7%) and the lowest for the bowel domain (2.5-4.1 2.5-4.1

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The results from this study provide evidence that treatment duration with Gb therapy is insufficient in a significant proportion of patients to receive the achievable benefit of therapy.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Currently less than half the originally established 34 regions have a REHC and many of these staff now only work part-time with a small proportion and insufficient time allocated to eye care.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insufficient proportion", ensure the context clearly defines what the expected or required proportion should be. This provides a stronger understanding of the deficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "insufficient proportion" when a simple count or amount is meant. "Insufficient proportion" is most appropriate when referring to a ratio or percentage of a whole, not an absolute quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient proportion" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to qualify a noun, indicating that a particular ratio or share is inadequate or lacking. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. For instance, it might describe an inadequate representation of a group or a deficit in the allocation of resources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

News & Media

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insufficient proportion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an inadequate ratio or amount, typically found in formal contexts such as science and academia. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, its usage is appropriate when emphasizing a deficiency in relation to a whole. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying the expected proportion and avoiding its use when referring to absolute quantities. Consider alternatives like "inadequate amount" or "deficient quantity" for nuanced meanings. Finally, as Ludwig confirms, it's important to understand and apply the phrase correctly to maintain precision in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate amount

Focuses on the quantity being not adequate.

deficient quantity

Highlights the lack or deficiency in the amount.

limited share

Emphasizes the restricted portion available.

meager portion

Indicates a small and unsatisfactory part.

scarce fraction

Stresses the rarity and insufficiency of the fraction.

inadequate ratio

Specifically points to the unsuitability of the ratio.

underrepresentation

Focuses on the insufficient presence or inclusion.

too small a fraction

Directly expresses the inadequacy in size.

inappreciable quantity

Highlights that the quantity is so small as to be negligible.

minimal percentage

Emphasizes that the percentage is at the lowest acceptable level.

FAQs

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

You can use "insufficient proportion" to describe when a part of something is not enough compared to the whole. For example, "There was an insufficient proportion of qualified applicants for the job."

What are some alternatives to "insufficient proportion"?

Alternatives include "inadequate amount", "deficient quantity", or "limited share" depending on the specific context.

Is "insufficient proportion" formal or informal?

"Insufficient proportion" is generally considered formal and suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. More informal alternatives may exist for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "insufficient proportion" and "inadequate amount"?

"Insufficient proportion" emphasizes the ratio or percentage is lacking, whereas "inadequate amount" focuses on the quantity being too small. The choice depends on whether you are discussing relative or absolute quantities.