the proportion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the proportion of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to describe the numerical relationship between two or more quantities. For example, "The proportion of apples to oranges is 5:3".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The proportion of non-E.U.

The New York Times

This is double the proportion of whites.

The Economist

The proportion of men? 3.4%.

The Guardian

The proportion of people insured is falling.

The New York Times

The proportion of Latinos is growing and the proportion of blacks is dwindling.

The New York Times

The figure of 100 means that the proportion of seats exactly matches the proportion of votes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The proportion of "replacement" neurons was ∼5%.

Experimental Neurology

The proportion of total nontasters was 22%.

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The proportion of habitats with mosquito larvae was spatially correlated.

Harvard University

c) Calculate the proportion of planktonic specimens in a sample.

University of California, Berkeley

Since 1956 the proportion of urban population increased gradually.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the proportion of", ensure that the quantities being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the proportion of" when simply referring to a general increase or decrease; instead, specify the exact quantities being compared to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the proportion of" functions as a determiner phrase that introduces a noun phrase. It specifies a relative quantity or ratio of a part to a whole. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the proportion of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the relative quantity of a part to a whole. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various domains, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When writing, ensure clarity by defining the quantities being compared. Consider alternatives like "the percentage of" or "the ratio of" depending on the specific context. Being aware of potential misunderstandings regarding proportionality will further enhance the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the percentage of

Replaces "proportion" with "percentage", focusing on a value out of 100.

the fraction of

Uses "fraction" to denote a part of a whole, similar to proportion.

the ratio of

Emphasizes the relative size of two or more quantities.

the amount of

Focuses on the quantity or measure of something.

the share of

Highlights the portion belonging to a specific entity or category.

the incidence of

Refers to the frequency of occurrence of an event or phenomenon.

the extent of

Indicates the degree or scope to which something reaches or affects.

the prevalence of

Highlights how widespread something is within a population or area.

the representation of

Focuses on how something is depicted or present in a group.

the figure of

Refers to a numerical value or statistic.

FAQs

How do I use "the proportion of" in a sentence?

Use "the proportion of" to describe the relationship between a part and a whole, such as "the proportion of students who passed the exam" or "the proportion of women in leadership".

What can I say instead of "the proportion of"?

You can use alternatives like "the percentage of", "the fraction of", or "the ratio of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the proportion of" or "a proportion of"?

"The proportion of" refers to a specific ratio or percentage, while "a proportion of" indicates a part or share without specifying the exact amount. For example, "the proportion of the population" is 20%, and "a proportion of the population" supports the initiative.

What's the difference between "the proportion of" and "the rate of"?

"The proportion of" describes a part relative to a whole, while "the rate of" measures how frequently something occurs over time or in relation to a standard, like "the rate of increase".