the proportionate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the proportionate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is in proportion or corresponds in size, amount, or degree to something else. Example: "The proportionate distribution of resources is essential for ensuring fairness in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The larger the family, the bigger the proportionate impact.

The Guardian

Far from being "Stalinist", that would have been the proportionate, liberal and sensible thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The spokesman said the "proportionate investigation" was now closed and "no arrests have been made".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For less ambitious trips, the proportionate cost can be even higher.

Independent

"So if a great deal of those are lost, then the proportionate loss is much more".

The New York Times

So when stock returns are lower, the proportionate impact of fees is greater.

The New York Times

(It only takes a few cases of fratricide to raise the proportionate toll significantly).

The New York Times

Try putting your weekly shop through a comparison site such as MySupermarket.com and see the proportionate saving.

The Guardian

But, she said, "I feel that this is the proportionate response because of the sensitivities of the case".

Independent

Age distribution, also called Age Composition, in population studies, the proportionate numbers of persons in successive age categories in a given population.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, the proportionate sizes of the legs, arms, and back of a garden bench, for example, determine the scale of the seat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more direct alternatives like "proportional" for conciseness, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming "the proportionate" always implies fairness. It primarily indicates a mathematical relationship, not necessarily an ethical one. Always clarify the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the proportionate" functions primarily as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate something that is in proportion or corresponds in size, amount, or degree to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the proportionate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in scientific, news-related, and encyclopedic contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s used to describe something that is in proportion or corresponds in size, amount, or degree to something else. While "proportional" and "the proportionate" are sometimes interchangeable, careful attention should be paid to how they are used. It's important to ensure clarity in writing by explicitly stating what the element is proportionate to. Though this term is about mathematics and relationships of relative size, users should avoid assuming it automatically means fairness. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the proportional

This alternative is a more concise way of saying "the proportionate", using the adjective directly.

the relative share

This alternative emphasizes the part something has in relation to a whole, or other parts.

the corresponding

This option highlights a direct relationship or equivalence between two items.

the equitable

This alternative focuses on fairness and justice in distribution.

the commensurate

This option suggests a fitting or appropriate measure or degree.

the balanced

This alternative implies a harmonious or equal distribution of elements.

the adjusted

This indicates that something has been modified to maintain the correct relationship.

the calibrated

This alternative denotes precise measurement and adjustment for accuracy.

the comparative

This suggests something is being evaluated in relation to something else.

the equivalent

This alternative highlights equality in value, amount, or meaning.

FAQs

How do I use "the proportionate" in a sentence?

Use "the proportionate" to describe something that is in the correct or suitable proportion compared to something else. For instance, "The proportionate increase in salary should reflect the increase in responsibilities".

What can I say instead of "the proportionate"?

Alternatives include "the proportional", "the relative", or "the corresponding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "the proportionate" or "proportional"?

Both "the proportionate" and "proportional" can be correct, but they are used in slightly different ways. "Proportional" is a general adjective, while "the proportionate" often refers to a specific proportional amount or share. For example, "The tax rate is proportional to income" versus "The proportionate share of each department's budget will be reviewed".

What's the difference between "the proportionate share" and "the percentage"?

"The proportionate share" refers to a part considered in relation to a whole, emphasizing the relationship or ratio. "The percentage", on the other hand, specifies the part in terms of hundredths, focusing on a specific numerical value. Although these two are often interchangeable, "the proportionate share" describes how one item relates to others.