make up a third

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make up a third" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of creating or forming a third part of something, often in a mathematical or statistical context. Example: "If we combine the two groups, they will make up a third of the total population surveyed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mexican-Americans already make up a third of the state's population, and they are registering to vote in increasing numbers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Early voting could make up a third of the turnout.

The New York Times

(Jazz guys and baseball players make up a third category).

The New York Times - Books

Credit Suisse thinks "marginal" borrowers make up a third of subprime loans.

The Economist

Those who've quit or are about to go make up a third of British retail savings.

Independent

Exports to the euro zone make up a third of G.D.P.

The New York Times

Exports make up a third of the economy, so Germany is sensitive to slumps elsewhere.

The New York Times

Choose one or the other, dammit, but don't make up a third option.

The Guardian - Sport

Aboriginal women make up a third of the female prison population in both countries.

The Guardian

Two-person households will make up a third of the total.

The Guardian

They make up a third of all jobs in Queens, Mr. Walsh said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make up a third", ensure the context clearly defines the total from which the third is derived. For example, "Women make up a third of the workforce" clarifies that the workforce is the total being referenced.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying what the "third" relates to. Saying "They make up a third" without context leaves the reader wondering, a third of what?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make up a third" functions as a descriptive quantifier, indicating that a particular group or element constitutes one-third of a larger whole. As Ludwig explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make up a third" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe that a component constitutes one-third of a whole. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, science, and business contexts. The examples show that the phrase is used to provide proportional information, helping to quantify the size or significance of a segment within a broader context. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the total being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Overall, it is a valuable and effective way to express proportional relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitute one-third

Replaces "make up" with "constitute", emphasizing the composition of the whole.

represent a third

Focuses on the proportion that something embodies within a larger group or total.

account for a third

Highlights the contribution or responsibility of something towards a total amount.

form a third part

Emphasizes the physical or conceptual act of creating a third portion.

comprise a third

Similar to 'constitute', but often implies that the third is an essential component.

equal a third

Highlights the numerical equivalence of a portion to one-third of a total.

amount to a third

Indicates that a particular element accumulates to one-third of something.

one-third of the whole

More explicitly describes the relationship as a fraction of the total.

a third of the total

Similar to the previous phrase, further clarifies that the portion is related to a total amount.

contribute a third share

Implies an active contribution to reaching a third of the total.

FAQs

How can I use "make up a third" in a sentence?

You can use "make up a third" to describe a proportional relationship, such as "Exports to the euro zone "make up a third" of G.D.P."

What are some alternatives to "make up a third"?

Some alternatives include "constitute one-third", "represent a third", or "account for a third".

Is it better to say "comprise a third" or "make up a third"?

"Comprise a third" and "make up a third" are similar, but "comprise" suggests that the third is an essential component, while "make up" is more general. Choose the one that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a third of" and "make up a third"?

"A third of" describes a fraction of a whole, while "make up a third" describes the act of composing a third of something. For example, "A third of the population" versus "Women "make up a third" of the workforce".