merely a fraction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely a fraction of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is only a small part or portion of a larger whole. Example: "The budget allocated for this project is merely a fraction of what we need to achieve our goals."

✓ 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

43 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

Consider just a fraction of what transpired.

The Guardian - Opinion

I admired only a fraction of his.

The New Yorker

He used only a fraction of them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about data or statistics, combine "merely a fraction of" with precise numerical values to provide a clearer picture of the limited proportion you're discussing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "merely a fraction of" excessively in highly formal documents. Over-reliance may make your writing seem dismissive or subjective. Opt for more neutral and specific language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely a fraction of" functions as a quantifying expression, specifying that something is only a small part of a larger whole. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely a fraction of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something represents a small and often insignificant portion of a larger whole. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential for sounding dismissive and ensure it aligns with the desired tone of your writing. Consider using alternative phrases like "just a small part of" or "only a portion of" for different shades of meaning. Overall, "merely a fraction of" is a valuable tool for conveying proportions and highlighting limitations effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a small part of

Replaces "merely a fraction of" with simpler, more direct language.

only a portion of

Substitutes "merely" with "only" and "fraction" with "portion", keeping the core meaning intact.

a small percentage of

Uses "percentage" to quantify the small portion, adding a statistical feel.

a tiny amount of

Emphasizes the insignificance of the quantity.

a negligible portion of

Highlights that the portion is so small it's practically unimportant.

hardly any of

Expresses a sense of scarcity and minimal quantity.

a limited segment of

Replaces fraction with segment, which sounds less math-related.

an insignificant piece of

Emphasizes the small size and unimportance.

a minor component of

Highlights how "merely a fraction of" is just a small part in the overall picture

a small subset of

Implies that only some parts of a set are taken in account

FAQs

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

Use "merely a fraction of" to indicate that something represents only a small portion of a larger whole. For example, "The budget allocated was "merely a fraction of" what was needed to complete the project successfully."

What are some alternatives to "merely a fraction of"?

You can use alternatives like "only a small part of", "just a portion of", or "a small percentage of" to convey a similar meaning to "merely a fraction of".

Is "merely a fraction of" formal or informal?

"Merely a fraction of" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. In very formal contexts, consider more precise language, but otherwise it is perfectly acceptable.

How does the use of "merely" affect the meaning of "a fraction of"?

The addition of "merely" emphasizes the insignificance or smallness of the fraction, highlighting that it is not substantial or significant. Without "merely", "a fraction of" simply indicates a part of the whole.