substantial proportions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial proportions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or considerable amount or size of something in various contexts, such as statistics, research, or general descriptions. Example: "The study revealed that a substantial proportion of participants reported feeling more productive after implementing the new work-from-home policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This sort of sentiment had led "substantial proportions" to buy "free range" meat and dairy and cruelty-free products.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nitrogen and carbon dioxide are noncombustible and may be found in substantial proportions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Managerial authority within firms was strengthened, and bonuses were restored and allowed to grow to substantial proportions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite war and political upheavals, Rush's practice grew to substantial proportions, partly owing to his literary output.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So absence of fever among substantial proportions of patients, when fever is specified in the definition, can cause serious underestimation of case totals.

The New York Times - Health

In January, European and western leaders promised to send billions of pounds to countries in the Middle East where refugees form substantial proportions of the population – but so far only a sixth of the money has been paid.

The Guardian

Parental education accounts for substantial proportions of the variation in respondents' Educational Attainment and Cognitive Skills.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Substantial proportions of subjects (varying from 13.3%42%% depending on the scenario) expressed hypothetical acceptance of euthanasia and PAS.

General Hospital Psychiatry

Table 3 shows that while most traps that were occupied had only a single species present, substantial proportions contained two or three species, and one trap had eight.

Heritage Science

From a questionnaire-based survey, Portuguese household level data are used to show that average measures can mask affordability issues for substantial proportions of the low income groups.

Utilities Policy

Substantial proportions of both control and program groups report receipt of tutoring from school, which may partly account for the finding of no effect.

Children and Youth Services Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial proportions", ensure you provide context to clarify what constitutes a significant amount in the given situation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "substantial proportions" always implies a majority. It simply means a noteworthy or significant amount, which can vary depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial proportions" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that a significant quantity or percentage is being referenced. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its use in various contexts to highlight noteworthy amounts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial proportions" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to highlight a noteworthy quantity or percentage of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in scientific literature, news articles, and encyclopedic entries, indicating a neutral to formal register. While it effectively conveys significance, it's crucial to provide context and avoid assuming it always implies a majority. Consider alternatives like "significant amount" or "considerable number" based on the specific context. Recognizing the typical errors, such as misinterpreting 'substantial' as an absolute value, ensures more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sizeable proportions

Highlights the considerable size, suggesting it is noteworthy or significant.

appreciable proportions

Highlights that the quantity is noticeable and worth considering.

huge proportions

Focuses on the immensity of the quantity, implying a very large amount.

massive proportions

Similar to "huge proportions", emphasizing the enormous scale.

enormous proportions

Highlights the vastness or hugeness of the quantity.

tremendous proportions

Indicates a very large amount or degree, often implying admiration or awe.

major proportions

Emphasizes the significance or importance of the quantity.

important proportions

Stresses the relevance or significance of the amount.

serious proportions

Emphasizes the gravity or importance of the quantity, rather than just its size.

formidable proportions

Suggests the quantity is impressive and potentially challenging to deal with.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial proportions" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial proportions" to indicate that a noteworthy amount or percentage of something exists. For example, "Substantial proportions of the population reported feeling satisfied with the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "substantial proportions"?

You can use alternatives such as "significant amount", "considerable number", or "large percentage" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "substantial proportions" or "significant amount"?

Both "substantial proportions" and "significant amount" are correct, but "substantial proportions" is often used when referring to a percentage or ratio of a whole, whereas "significant amount" is more general.

What does "substantial proportions" imply about the remaining portion?

"Substantial proportions" implies that the portion being described is noteworthy, but it doesn't necessarily indicate the size of the remaining portion. The remaining portion could also be substantial, or it could be small.