some proportion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some proportion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a part or fraction of a whole, often in contexts involving statistics, research, or analysis. Example: "Some proportion of the participants reported feeling more satisfied with the new system compared to the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some proportion of that is likely due to water retention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The new individuals inherit some proportion of their genetic material from the parent or parents.

Princeton University

It's no longer a catastrophic failure, but some proportion of the system will be broken".

The New York Times - Tech

Gardasil also prevents infection with two other strains that cause some proportion of genital warts.

The New York Times

Some proportion of Britain's non-doms would decide to leave the country altogether to avoid paying up.

The Guardian

That is, displaced workers should be compensated for some proportion of any wage reductions suffered in obtaining new jobs.

Harvard Business Review

Some proportion of the country's population has been mixed-race since the first white settlers had children with Native Americans.

The New York Times

They see this trade-off between risk and return, and they want to hold some proportion of VOC stock and the riskless asset.

Yale University

A degree day is a unit of measurement that is species-specific and represents some proportion of overall insect or plant development.

Cornell University

Fifth, how could anyone possibly imagine that among a million people from anywhere there wouldn't be some proportion of nasty, sleazy misogynists?

The Guardian - Opinion

Some proportion of these savings can be used to support jobs, for example through the cancelling of some backdated demands for business rates.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "some proportion of", ensure the context makes it clear what the 'whole' is that you are referring to. For example, "Some proportion of the budget was allocated to marketing."

Common error

Avoid using "some proportion of" when a more precise term, such as "a majority", "a quarter", or a specific percentage, would provide clearer and more informative writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some proportion of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an unspecified quantity or fraction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some proportion of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate an unspecified part of a whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While precise figures are preferable when available, this phrase is useful for expressing uncertainty or when the exact value is not the focus. Related phrases include "a fraction of" and "a percentage of". Remember to provide context for the 'whole' you are referring to, and avoid using it when a more specific term would enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fraction of

This alternative is a more general way to indicate a part of a whole, without specifying the exact amount.

a percentage of

This alternative specifies the part as a portion of one hundred, providing a quantifiable measure.

a portion of

This alternative is similar to "a fraction of" but often implies a more significant or meaningful part.

a share of

This alternative suggests a portion that is allocated or assigned, often in the context of resources or responsibilities.

a segment of

This alternative implies a distinct and identifiable part of a larger group or entity.

part of

This alternative is a simpler, more direct way to indicate that something is included within a larger entity.

a certain amount of

This alternative emphasizes the quantity involved but remains vague about the precise measurement.

a quantity of

This alternative emphasizes an amount that can be measured, often in a scientific or technical context.

a piece of

This alternative is less formal and suggests a smaller, often tangible, part of something.

a number of

This alternative is used when referring to multiple countable items within the larger whole.

FAQs

How can I use "some proportion of" in a sentence?

Use "some proportion of" to indicate that a part, share, or percentage of a whole is being considered. For example: "Some proportion of the students preferred the online format."

What phrases are similar to "some proportion of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a fraction of", "a percentage of", or "a share of", depending on the desired level of precision and context.

When should I avoid using "some proportion of"?

If you know the precise percentage or amount, it's best to use that instead of "some proportion of" for clarity. Avoid it when a more specific term would make your writing more informative.

What is the difference between "some proportion of" and "most of"?

"Some proportion of" indicates an unspecified fraction, while "most of" suggests a quantity greater than half. Use "some proportion of" when you don't want to imply a majority.