smaller percentage

USAGE SUMMARY

"smaller percentage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a fraction of a number that is less than 100%. For example, "The smaller percentage of votes this candidate received was surprisingly low."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a smaller percentage actually travel overseas.

The Washington Post

A smaller percentage of white voters favored him.

The New York Times

That means there's a smaller percentage that goes to middlemen.

The Guardian - Film

Today a much smaller percentage are going into investment banking.

The Economist

A smaller percentage actually end up being useful.

The New York Times

"There has been a smaller percentage from outside the system".

The New York Times

Namely, a smaller and smaller percentage of the workforce is employable in the US economy.

University of California, Berkeley

Tourette syndrome afflicts up to 1% of children, and a smaller percentage of adults.

Yale University

By contrast, a smaller percentage of the children exhibited what Ainsworth called avoidant attachment.

Yale University

A smaller percentage of individuals develop HD in their 60's and afterwards.

Stanford University

Mr. Edwards offered to take a smaller percentage, unless the award reached unexpected heights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two or more groups, clearly state the groups you are referencing to ensure the "smaller percentage" is understood in context. For instance, instead of saying "a smaller percentage preferred tea", specify "a smaller percentage of women than men preferred tea".

Common error

Avoid assuming the base value for the "smaller percentage" is always the same. For example, stating "a smaller percentage of students failed the exam" can be misleading if the total number of students taking the exam varies significantly from year to year.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller percentage" functions primarily as a modifier describing a portion or share that is less than another. Ludwig confirms that is usable in written English. The phrase is typically used in comparative statements to indicate a reduced quantity or proportion of something relative to another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smaller percentage" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a reduced proportion or share. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the reference groups and avoiding assumptions about the base value. Related phrases include "lower proportion" and "reduced fraction". Being aware of the appropriate contexts and potential misinterpretations will help you effectively communicate with "smaller percentage".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower proportion

Replaces "percentage" with "proportion", emphasizing the comparative fraction.

reduced fraction

Substitutes "percentage" with "fraction" and "smaller" with "reduced", focusing on the diminished amount.

lesser amount

Replaces "percentage" with "amount", shifting the focus from proportion to quantity.

decreased rate

Substitutes "percentage" with "rate", indicating a decline in the ratio.

minor share

Replaces "percentage" with "share", suggesting a smaller part of the whole.

slighter portion

Uses "slighter" instead of "smaller" and "portion" instead of "percentage" for a more subtle distinction.

diminished ratio

Replaces "percentage" with "ratio", highlighting the reduced relationship between two quantities.

tinier quantity

Emphasizes the smallness of the amount by using "tinier" and "quantity".

narrower margin

Shifts the focus to the difference or space by using "margin" instead of "percentage".

lower incidence

Substitutes "percentage" with "incidence", referring to the frequency of occurrence.

FAQs

How do I use "smaller percentage" in a sentence?

Use "smaller percentage" when indicating a reduced proportion of a whole, as in, "A "smaller percentage" of the population now smokes compared to twenty years ago".

What phrases can I use instead of "smaller percentage"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "lower proportion", "reduced fraction", or "lesser amount", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "smallest percentage" instead of "smaller percentage"?

"Smallest percentage" is appropriate when comparing three or more values to indicate the absolute minimum, whereas "smaller percentage" is used for comparing two values. Choose the term based on how many entities you are comparing.

What is the difference between "smaller percentage" and "less percentage"?

"Smaller percentage" is grammatically correct. "Less percentage" is non-standard. Use "smaller percentage" to accurately describe a reduced proportion.