the proportion was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the proportion was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing statistical data or comparisons between quantities in a specific context. Example: "In the recent survey, the proportion was significantly higher among younger respondents compared to older ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In 1998, the proportion was 5 percent.

The New York Times

In 1992 the proportion was 74.5%.

The Guardian

At Channel 4, the proportion was 4.5%.

The Guardian

She said the proportion was significantly increased.

The New York Times

In 2013, the proportion was about 5.5%.

The Guardian - Business

In one, the proportion was nearly three-quarters.

The Washington Post

In New York City, the proportion was 23percentt.

The New York Times

Among C-suite executives the proportion was 36%.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In WA and the NT the proportion is even higher.

The Guardian

Now the proportion is 43%.

The Economist

Today the proportion is one in five.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the proportion was", ensure you clearly define what the proportion refers to and the context in which it is being measured. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid implying causation when stating "the proportion was X", especially when presenting statistical data. Correlation does not equal causation; further analysis is required to establish causal relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the proportion was" serves as a descriptive expression, typically functioning to introduce or highlight a specific ratio, percentage, or quantity within a given context. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used across diverse fields to present data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the proportion was" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression frequently employed to convey statistical data or quantitative comparisons. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is informative, aiming to present facts clearly across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media as well as scientific sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register. While the alternatives like "the percentage was" or "the ratio was" offer similar meanings, the choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. When utilizing this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the reference point and context to avoid ambiguity. Recognizing that correlation does not always imply causation is also vital for accurate interpretation and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the percentage was

Substitutes "proportion" with "percentage", focusing on the rate out of one hundred.

the ratio was

Replaces "proportion" with "ratio", highlighting the quantitative relation between two amounts.

the rate was

Uses "rate" instead of "proportion", emphasizing the measure or quantity in relation to something else.

the figure stood at

Employs "figure stood at", focusing on the numerical value at a specific point.

the representation was

Replaces "proportion" with "representation", stressing how something is depicted or reflected.

the fraction was

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

the share was

Indicates a part or portion belonging to, contributed by, or owed by an individual or group.

the amount was

Focuses on the quantity or extent of something, measured numerically.

the incidence was

Emphasizes the frequency or occurrence of something, especially undesirable.

the distribution was

Highlights how something is spread or arranged within a given area or population.

FAQs

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

You can use "the proportion was" to describe statistical data or comparisons between quantities. For example, "In 1998, "the proportion was" 5 percent."

What phrases are similar to "the proportion was"?

Similar phrases include "the percentage was", "the ratio was", or "the rate was". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the proportion were" instead of "the proportion was"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. "Proportion" is singular in this context, so it should be followed by the singular verb "was". Using "were" would only be appropriate if "proportion" referred to multiple proportions, which is rare.

What is the difference between "the proportion was" and "the percentage was"?

While both phrases describe a part of a whole, "the percentage was" specifically refers to a proportion expressed as a fraction of 100. "The proportion was" is more general and can refer to any ratio or fraction.