one-half

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one-half" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical contexts, cooking measurements, or when describing fractions in general. Example: "To make the recipe, you will need one-half cup of sugar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

–One-half stay less than one semester.

Forbes

one-half inch.

The New York Times

"Five and one-half drops," said Stuart.

The New Yorker

Others give spouses one-half.

Forbes

Muscle strength improved by one-half grade.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Design: Five and one-half year retrospective cohort study.

Resuscitation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Only played one half".

The New York Times - Sports

In one half.

The New York Times - Sports

One half Beatle.

The New Yorker

One half for each flat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Like one half of Bennifer?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, especially in technical or scientific contexts, "one-half" is preferred over "half" for clarity. Example: "The experiment requires mixing one-half gram of substance A with water."

Common error

Avoid using "one-half" interchangeably with phrases like "on behalf of". "One-half" denotes a fraction, whereas "on behalf of" means 'in the interest of' or 'representing'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one-half" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity equal to half of the whole. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, such as "one-half inch" or "one-half cup". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one-half" is a versatile phrase functioning as an adjective to denote a quantity equal to half of a whole. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While "half" serves as a more common synonym, "one-half" is often preferred in formal, scientific, and technical writing for enhanced clarity and precision. Ludwig examples demonstrate its application in diverse domains, including news, science, and wikis. To ensure accuracy, avoid confusing "one-half" with similar-sounding phrases like "on behalf of". Remember that while often interchangeable with "half", "one-half" provides a more precise and formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

half

A shorter and more common synonym for "one-half".

a half

Adds an article, slightly changing the emphasis but retaining the meaning.

point five

Expresses the fraction as a decimal.

fifty percent

Expresses the fraction as a percentage.

0.5

Numerical representation of one-half.

a moiety

A more formal and less common term for half.

one part in two

Emphasizes the ratio.

50%

Abbreviated percentage representation.

semi-

Prefix indicating "half" or "partly".

bisected

Describes something divided into two equal parts.

FAQs

How do I use "one-half" in a sentence?

Use "one-half" when you need to express the quantity of a half in a clear and sometimes formal way. For instance, "Mix "one-half cup" of sugar with the flour" or "One-half of the students passed the exam".

What's the difference between "one-half" and "half"?

"One-half" is often considered more formal than "half". In many contexts, "half" is perfectly acceptable and more common. However, "one-half" may be preferred in technical or legal writing for added precision.

Can I use "one-half" with both singular and plural nouns?

Yes, you can. When using "one-half" with a singular noun, use a singular verb (e.g., "One-half of the cake is gone"). When using it with a plural noun, use a plural verb (e.g., "One-half of the students are present").

What are some alternative ways to express "one-half"?

Besides "half", you can use "fifty percent" or "point five" depending on the context. In more formal or scientific contexts, "a moiety" may also be appropriate, though it's less common.