small percentage

USAGE SUMMARY

"small percentage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an amount that is less than a significant amount. For example, "Only a small percentage of the students in my class are taking the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a small percentage.

The New York Times

That's an unusually small percentage.

The New Yorker

Only a small percentage stay off drugs".

The New York Times

"It's a small percentage," Mr. Kane said.

The New York Times - Travel

Why such a small percentage?

The New York Times

A small percentage, I'm sure.

The New Yorker

A small percentage are undeniably superb.

The New York Times - Books

"A very small percentage," Chris Pharo replied.

The Guardian

That is a pretty small percentage".

The New York Times

It would be a small percentage.

The New York Times

The answer is: a very small percentage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small percentage", specify the context to provide clarity. For example, instead of saying "A small percentage failed", specify what they failed at.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "small percentage" is always unimportant. Even a small percentage can represent a significant number or have a critical impact depending on the overall scale and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small percentage" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate a relatively low proportion of a whole. It describes the extent to which something is present or occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small percentage" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a relatively minor portion of a whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific analyses. However, it's crucial to remember that the significance of a "small percentage" is context-dependent; even a seemingly insignificant percentage can represent a substantial quantity or have crucial implications. When using "small percentage", ensure clarity by specifying the context and avoiding assumptions about its inherent importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small proportion

Uses "proportion" as a synonym for "percentage", maintaining a formal tone.

insignificant percentage

Replaces "small" with "insignificant", emphasizing the lack of importance of the percentage.

tiny fraction

Uses "fraction" instead of "percentage", suggesting an even smaller amount.

slight fraction

Similar to "tiny fraction" but with a slightly less emphatic tone.

negligible portion

Emphasizes that the portion is so small it can be disregarded.

limited number

Shifts the focus from percentage to the quantity being considered.

modest share

Replaces "small percentage" with a more business-oriented term.

narrow margin

Suggests a small difference or advantage, applicable in competitive contexts.

minimal amount

Focuses on the quantity rather than the relative proportion.

trace amount

Highlights the minimal and almost undetectable nature of the amount.

FAQs

How can I use "small percentage" in a sentence?

You can use "small percentage" to indicate a relatively low proportion of something. For example, "Only a small percentage of applicants were accepted".

What are some alternatives to "small percentage"?

You can use alternatives like "insignificant percentage", "tiny fraction", or "negligible portion depending on the context.

Is it always correct to assume a "small percentage" is not important?

No, it's not always correct. The importance of a "small percentage" depends on the overall context and the size of the total. A "small percentage" of a very large number can still be a significant quantity.

Which is more appropriate in formal writing, "small percentage" or "small proportion"?

"Small proportion" is generally considered more formal than "small percentage", although both are acceptable. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.