three quarters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'three quarters' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing fractions (e.g. three quarters of a cup) or duration (e.g. The movie lasted three quarters of an hour). Example: I have drank three quarters of my water.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

At least three quarters'.

Independent

For three quarters.

The New York Times - Sports

Three quarters were killed.

The New York Times

A half? Three quarters?

The Guardian - Sport

He wasn't even three quarters ready".

The New Yorker

Three quarters of the class edge forward.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

two and three-quarters.

The New Yorker

Three-quarters of a billion dollars.

Huffington Post

Three-quarters were arrested within five years.

The New Yorker

Three-quarters completed the questionnaires.

The New York Times - Health

Now three-quarters seldom do.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is crucial, especially in technical or scientific contexts, prefer "75%" for brevity and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "three quarters" when a more precise measurement or quantity is required. If the context calls for exact numbers, provide them instead of using a fraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "three quarters" primarily functions as a numeral phrase or quantitative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a specific fraction or proportion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "three quarters" is a versatile and widely used numeral phrase indicating a proportion of 75% or the fraction 3/4. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across diverse sources make it appropriate for various writing styles. It functions primarily to quantify or specify an amount. While "three quarters" enjoys broad applicability, precision should guide its use; in technical contexts, "75%" might offer enhanced clarity. Common alternatives include "75 percent" and "three fourths".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

75 percent

Expresses the same proportion using percentage.

three fourths

An alternative way to say the same fraction.

a large fraction

Indicates a significant portion without specifying the exact amount.

most of it

Implies a majority without being precise.

the greater part

Suggests a major portion.

nearly all

Indicates a very high proportion, close to the entirety.

a considerable amount

Highlights that the quantity is substantial.

a significant portion

Emphasizes the importance of the amount.

majority

Refers to more than half of the whole.

substantial part

Implies that the portion is notably large.

FAQs

How do I use "three quarters" in a sentence?

You can use "three quarters" to describe a proportion (e.g., "Three quarters of the students passed the exam") or a fraction (e.g., "I drank three quarters of a cup of coffee").

What can I say instead of "three quarters"?

You can use alternatives like "75 percent" or "three fourths", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "three quarters" or "three fourths"?

Both "three quarters" and "three fourths" are correct and interchangeable, but "three quarters" is more commonly used.

Is it appropriate to use "three quarters" in formal writing?

Yes, "three quarters" is appropriate in formal writing. However, in highly technical contexts, using the numerical percentage (75%) might be preferred for conciseness.