only a fraction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'only a fraction of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a small portion of something, usually in comparison to the whole. Example sentence: Only a fraction of the audience was paying attention to the speaker's presentation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He used only a fraction of them.

The New Yorker

I admired only a fraction of his.

The New Yorker

But that backlog is only a fraction of the problem.

The New York Times

But even this is only a fraction of the story.

The Guardian - Business

Only a fraction of that is in general obligation bonds.

The New York Times

But only a fraction of the electorate seemed to respond.

The New York Times

And only a fraction of that has actually arrived.

The New York Times

But these figures are only a fraction of the reality.

The Guardian

Only a fraction of her time is spent preparing lessons.

The Guardian

The city verifies only a fraction of them.

The New York Times

But the numbers tell only a fraction of the story.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific with numbers, if possible. Instead of saying "only a fraction", provide the numeric value of this fraction (eg: "Only 1/3 of", "Only 10%") to increase clarity of your writing.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "only a fraction of" without clearly defining or implying the total amount. Make sure it's obvious what the fraction is relative to. For instance, avoid saying "Only a fraction of students passed" if it's unclear which group of students you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a fraction of" typically functions as a determiner modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating a small portion of something. It limits the scope of the noun it precedes, specifying that only a part, and not the whole, is being considered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only a fraction of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote a small portion of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. The phrase serves to highlight limitations and is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for various writing styles. To ensure clarity, specify the 'whole' when using the phrase and providing numeric values whenever possible. Alternatives such as "only a small part of" or "just a portion of" can be used to add variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only a small part of

This alternative emphasizes the limited portion being considered.

just a portion of

Using "just" adds a sense of limitation or insignificance to the amount.

merely a segment of

"Merely" highlights the limited extent or degree of something.

only a minority of

This refers specifically to a smaller group within a larger population.

a limited amount of

This focuses on the restricted quantity available.

a small percentage of

This provides a quantitative perspective, specifying a small proportional amount.

not much of

This offers a more informal way to express a small quantity or degree.

a tiny portion of

Using "tiny" emphasizes the extreme smallness of the part.

a negligible quantity of

"Negligible" implies the amount is so small it's almost insignificant.

a mere sliver of

This evokes the imagery of a very thin or small piece.

FAQs

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

Use "only a fraction of" to indicate that a small portion of something is being referred to. For example, "Only a fraction of the applicants were selected for the interview."

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

Alternatives include "only a small part of", "just a portion of", or "merely a segment of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more precise to use a percentage instead of "only a fraction of"?

Using a percentage can indeed offer greater precision, especially when quantifiable data is available. However, "only a fraction of" is suitable when the exact amount isn't known or when a general sense of proportion is sufficient. For instance, "only a fraction of the data" can be rephrased as "less than 10% of the data" for increased precision.

Is "only a fraction of" formal or informal?

The phrase "only a fraction of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it's not overly colloquial, it's also not stilted or overly technical, making it versatile for various writing styles.