merely a fraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely a fraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is only a small part of a whole or a limited amount of something. Example: "The data we collected represents merely a fraction of the total population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

For him sex is merely a fraction of the currency flow consolidating a community.

The New York Times - Books

But the penalties are merely a fraction of the super-physical veteran's game.

The New York Times

Yet, as she suggests, total urban water usage including toilets, showers, faucets, washing machines, and lawn treatments amounts to merely a fraction of the water that is used for agriculture.

The New Yorker

Prices are closing in on those of London and New York; completely absurd given that the average salary in Beijing is merely a fraction of what it is in these cities (around £500 a month).

The Guardian

Yet, as she suggests, total urban water usage — including toilets, showers, faucets, washing machines, and lawn treatments — amounts to merely a fraction of the water that is used for agriculture.

The New Yorker

There is the disturbing trend of the "partial" R.S.V.P.: invitees letting you know they're available for merely a fraction of the evening, perhaps texting midway through the meal to find out if things are "still going on," or simply tromping off when the mood strikes, like the couple that ruined White's intimate holiday supper.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Surface wiping was only performed on nonporous surfaces, merely on a fraction of the surface corresponding to the size of the HCW's hand.

BMC Infectious Diseases

The ICHD-II [3] included CM among complications of migraine, but for this migraine subtype it provided diagnostic criteria that have not much correspondence with clinical practice, as they merely represent a fraction of L1 patients.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Only a fraction were Italian.

The Guardian - Opinion

It matters in that if the mismatch persists, then we could see a unicorn not merely price at a modest discount to its past-private valuation, but at a fraction of that price.

TechCrunch

Is it merely that Green requires a fraction more concentration than Greene?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely a fraction" when you want to emphasize that something represents a surprisingly small portion of a larger whole. For example, "The cost of the repair was merely a fraction of the car's total value."

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "merely a fraction" in very informal settings can sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "just a bit" or "only a small part" in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely a fraction" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun to indicate that it represents a small or insignificant portion of a larger whole. Ludwig examples show this phrase used across diverse topics, from water usage to tumor growth.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "merely a fraction" is used to express that something represents a small or insignificant portion of a whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While there are many alternative phrases, such as "just a fraction" or "only a small part", the best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Avoid overuse in very informal contexts to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a fraction

Replaces "merely" with "just", emphasizing the small quantity.

only a fraction

Substitutes "merely" with "only", highlighting the limited amount.

a small portion

Replaces "fraction" with "portion", offering a slightly less precise term.

a tiny part

Uses "tiny part" instead of "fraction", emphasizing the diminutive size.

a limited amount

Shifts from a fractional representation to a more general indication of quantity.

a negligible quantity

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount.

an insignificant proportion

Highlights the lack of importance of the proportion.

a scant amount

Stresses the insufficiency of the amount.

a shadow of

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate a very small resemblance or quantity.

a drop in the bucket

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount compared to the whole.

FAQs

What does "merely a fraction" mean?

The phrase "merely a fraction" means only a small part or portion of something, often suggesting that the part is surprisingly small or insignificant.

How can I use "merely a fraction" in a sentence?

You can use "merely a fraction" to describe a quantity or portion. For example, "The cost of the new software was "just a fraction" of the overall budget."

What are some alternatives to "merely a fraction"?

Alternatives include phrases like "only a small part", "just a portion", or "a tiny amount", which convey a similar meaning of something being a small portion.

Is "merely a fraction" formal or informal?

The phrase "merely a fraction" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "just a bit" or "only a little" might be more appropriate.