tiny fraction

USAGE SUMMARY

"tiny fraction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a very small portion or amount of something. For example: - "Only a tiny fraction of the population owns a private jet." - "The scientists were able to detect a tiny fraction of the virus in the sample." - "The CEO's salary is just a tiny fraction of the company's overall profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's a tiny fraction".

The New York Times

Indeed, we cannot defend even a tiny fraction of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

A tiny fraction of the world's population lives in Siberia.

The New Yorker

Only a tiny fraction of men choose to have vasectomies.

The Guardian

Only a tiny fraction qualify as broadband by industry definitions.

The Guardian

But they are only a tiny fraction of the problem.

The New York Times

Friday morning's event was a tiny fraction of this magnitude.

The Guardian

But only a tiny fraction of this reaches the fuel.

The Guardian

They settled for a tiny fraction of that.

The New Yorker

The benefits cut is a tiny fraction of that.

The Guardian - Opinion

And only a tiny fraction of our kids leave.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tiny fraction" when you want to emphasize that something is a very small proportion of a larger whole. It's effective for highlighting the limited extent or impact of something.

Common error

Avoid using "tiny fraction" when the quantity is small but still significant. For example, a "tiny fraction" of a company's revenue might still represent a substantial monetary amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tiny fraction" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its role in expressing a small quantity or proportion of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tiny fraction" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a very small portion or quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific and encyclopedia sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a genuinely insignificant proportion. Consider alternatives like "small portion" or "negligible part" for nuanced emphasis. By understanding its appropriate use and potential pitfalls, you can effectively convey scale and proportion in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small portion

Focuses on the size of the part in relation to the whole, similar to "tiny fraction" but less emphatic about the degree of smallness.

minute amount

Highlights the extremely small quantity, akin to "tiny fraction" but emphasizes quantity rather than proportion.

negligible part

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount, differing from "tiny fraction" by stressing its lack of importance.

infinitesimal quantity

Stresses the extremely small nature of the quantity, being more technical than "tiny fraction".

mere sliver

Suggests a very thin or narrow portion, providing a more visual analogy compared to "tiny fraction".

small percentage

Expresses the idea as a proportion out of one hundred, slightly more specific than "tiny fraction".

fraction of a fraction

Emphasizes the multiple layers of reduction, where the initial portion is already part of a reduction and is a subset of the original reduction.

insignificant segment

Focuses on the unimportance of the portion, while "tiny fraction" simply indicates its size.

the tip of the iceberg

Implies that the "tiny fraction" is only a small, visible part of a larger, hidden problem.

drop in the ocean

Illustrates how the amount is insignificant compared to the whole, offering a vivid comparison unlike the directness of "tiny fraction".

FAQs

How can I use "tiny fraction" in a sentence?

You can use "tiny fraction" to describe a very small part of something, as in "Only a "tiny fraction" of the students passed the exam".

What are some alternatives to saying "tiny fraction"?

Alternatives include "small portion", "minute amount", or "negligible part depending on the context".

Is it always appropriate to use "tiny fraction"?

While grammatically correct, "tiny fraction" is best used when the proportion being described is genuinely insignificant compared to the whole. Avoid using it if the small quantity still has a significant impact.

What's the difference between "tiny fraction" and "small percentage"?

"Tiny fraction" is a general term for a very small portion, while "small percentage" is more specific, referring to a proportion out of one hundred. "Tiny fraction" emphasizes the smallness more than "small percentage".