smallest fraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smallest fraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the least amount or smallest part of something, often in mathematical or metaphorical contexts. Example: "Even the smallest fraction of doubt can lead to significant consequences in decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Harvey continued, "But in reality, I've got it comparatively easy — what I'll be performing is but the smallest fraction of this chapter.

The New Yorker

It's perplexing that Chahal, whose business presumably relies on the tallying of page views, could imagine that anything but the smallest fraction of the public has even heard of him, let alone recognize what he has "accomplished in the valley".

The New Yorker

Dr. Sidney Wolfe, director of the health research group Public Citizen, a nonprofit organization that has monitored malpractice records nationwide since 1990, said "the smallest fraction" of doctors have such extensive records of payments.

The New York Times

"They might think they should be spending more time on the basketball court than in the library," he said, "when only the smallest fraction make it to the pros".

The New York Times - Sports

Even the worst of perennial weeds – the likes of bindweed, docks and mare's tail - which will spread from the smallest fraction of root, can have their top growth composted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even given a lifetime, it would be impossible to test more than the smallest fraction of the total possible "states" that the Nehalem chip can be programmed in, which are easily more plentiful than all the atoms in the universe.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

A small fraction at that.

The Guardian - Sport

Only a small fraction have become public.

The New Yorker

Only a small fraction have been translated.

The New York Times

A small fraction switched to Republican.

The New York Times

It might just be a small fraction".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smallest fraction", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the whole. For example, "The "smallest fraction" of the budget was allocated to marketing."

Common error

Avoid using "smallest fraction" when referring to something absolutely small without considering the overall context. The phrase implies a comparison to a larger whole. For example, instead of saying 'That is the "smallest fraction"', consider stating 'That is a tiny amount'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smallest fraction" functions as a noun phrase, where 'smallest' modifies 'fraction'. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smallest fraction" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It denotes a minimal portion relative to a larger whole, commonly appearing in scientific and news contexts. While alternatives like "tiniest portion" or "minimal part" exist, "smallest fraction" is particularly apt when emphasizing a comparative relationship, though context is important. Remember that using this phrase requires considering the overall context. It's important not to use "smallest fraction" when something is absolutely small without considering the larger whole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tiniest portion

Focuses on the extremely small size of the portion, emphasizing its insignificance.

minimal part

Highlights the part's reduced significance or importance.

least amount

Emphasizes the quantity is the lowest possible.

negligible quantity

Indicates the amount is so small it can be disregarded.

insignificant bit

Suggests the bit is so small it's essentially meaningless.

smallest piece

Highlights the physical smallness of a piece or segment.

minute segment

Emphasizes the very small nature of a particular section.

slightest degree

Indicates the presence of something to an extremely small extent.

mere fragment

Suggests the fragment is nothing more than a tiny broken piece.

lowest proportion

Indicates the quantity is the lowest in relation to the whole.

FAQs

How can I use "smallest fraction" in a sentence?

You can use "smallest fraction" to describe the least amount or part of something when comparing it to a whole. For example, "The "smallest fraction" of the population holds the majority of the wealth."

What are some alternatives to "smallest fraction"?

Some alternatives to "smallest fraction" include "tiniest portion", "minimal part", or "least amount" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "smallest fraction" or "tiny fraction"?

Both "smallest fraction" and "tiny fraction" are valid, but "smallest fraction" emphasizes a comparative relationship to a whole, while "tiny fraction" simply highlights the small size.

In what contexts is "smallest fraction" most appropriately used?

"Smallest fraction" is particularly useful when discussing proportions, statistics, or resource allocation where you want to emphasize the relative insignificance of a particular portion compared to the whole. It is also frequently seen in scientific articles.