the proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a part or fraction of a whole, often in contexts related to statistics, mathematics, or comparisons. Example: "The proportion of students who passed the exam increased this year compared to last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Is the proportion right?

The New York Times

What's the proportion?

The New York Times

The proportion of non-E.U.

The New York Times

Now the proportion is 43%.

The Economist

Today the proportion is one in five.

The New York Times

But the proportion is going down.

The Economist

Within a decade the proportion had doubled.

The Economist

Elsewhere the proportion is even higher.

The Economist

In America the proportion is 45%.

The Economist

In 1998, the proportion was 5 percent.

The New York Times

In Australia, the proportion is 84%.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always specify the units or scale when discussing "the proportion", such as percentages, ratios, or fractions, to provide clear and understandable information.

Common error

A common mistake is to discuss "the proportion" without clarifying the total from which it's derived. Always specify the 'whole' or 'total' to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The proportion increased", specify "The proportion of graduates employed increased from 70% to 85%".

Linguistic Context

The proportion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a part, share, or quantity considered in relation to a whole. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The proportion" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a part or share of a whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. When employing this phrase, it's essential to clearly define the 'whole' to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Related terms include "the ratio", "the percentage", and "the fraction", each offering nuanced ways to express relative quantities. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively utilize "the proportion" to convey precise and informative details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the ratio

Focuses specifically on the quantitative relation between two amounts.

the percentage

Specifically refers to a rate or number per hundred.

the fraction

Indicates a part of a whole, often expressed as a ratio.

the share

Implies a part belonging to or contributed by a person or group.

the rate

Highlights how frequently something happens or exists during a particular period or in relation to a total number.

the extent

Refers to the degree to which something is the case.

the amount

Indicates a quantity of something.

the figure

Generally used for a number, especially one obtained from statistics.

the part

Denotes a fraction of a whole.

the incidence

Refers to the occurrence, rate, or frequency of a disease, crime, or other undesirable thing.

FAQs

How can I use "the proportion" in a sentence?

"The proportion" is used to describe a part or share of a whole. For example, "The proportion of renewable energy sources is increasing" or "What is the proportion of men to women in the company?"

What are some alternatives to saying "the proportion"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "the ratio", "the percentage", "the fraction", or "the share".

Is it always necessary to specify what "the proportion" refers to?

Yes, for clarity, it's crucial to specify the total or whole that "the proportion" is a part of. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the information is easily understood. For example, specify "the proportion of students" rather than just "the proportion".

How does "the proportion" differ from "the average"?

"The proportion" refers to a part of a whole, often expressed as a percentage or fraction, whereas "the average" represents the central tendency of a set of numbers, calculated by summing the values and dividing by the count.