up to a third

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "up to a third" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a maximum limit or extent, specifically referring to one-third of a quantity or amount. Example: "The project budget can increase up to a third if additional funding is secured."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Up to a third of postmenopausal women have undergone hysterectomies).

The New York Times - Health

Commercials now take up to a third of every hour.

The New York Times

Up to a third of voters are still undecided.

The Guardian

Of Russia's supposed 1.7m soldiers, up to a third may have to be demobbed.

The Economist

America could live with an arsenal reduced by up to a third, Mr Obama suggested.

The Economist

They recruit up to a third of the graduates of the world's best universities.

The Economist

The engines account for up to a third of the value of a new jet.

The Economist

Shopping around a variety of providers can increase your income by up to a third.

Independent

Moreover, up to a third of the settlement amount could go to the plaintiffs' lawyers.

The New York Times

That budget equates to up to a third of the world's proven oil and gas reserves.

Independent

At one time, she said, up to a third of residents identified themselves as Czech.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "up to a third", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'whole' or 'total' is that the third is being calculated from. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is to apply "up to a third" to an undefined or unclear base value. Always specify the total amount or quantity from which the third is derived to ensure clarity and prevent miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up to a third" functions primarily as a quantifier, specifying a maximum proportion or limit. It is used to indicate that something can be as much as one-third of a whole, but not more. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "up to a third" is a grammatically sound and frequently used quantifier that sets an upper limit. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it is seen very often in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the base value is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Related alternatives such as "a maximum of one third" or "not exceeding one third" can be used to achieve a similar effect, varying slightly in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a maximum of one third

Emphasizes the upper limit of the proportion.

not exceeding one third

States the limit as a restriction.

a third or less

Includes the possibility of being less than a third.

at most, one third

Highlights the maximum possible amount.

potentially one third

Suggests the possibility of reaching a third.

reaching one third

Focuses on achieving that specific fraction.

approaching one third

Indicates nearing the one-third mark.

upwards of thirty percent

Expresses a similar proportion using percentage.

as high as a third

Emphasizes that the proportion can be substantial.

in the neighborhood of one third

Presents an approximate quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "up to a third" in a sentence?

Use "up to a third" to indicate a maximum quantity or proportion. For example, "The company's expenses can increase "up to a third" if they expand their operations internationally."

What phrases are similar to "up to a third"?

Alternatives include "a maximum of one third", "not exceeding one third", or "a third or less", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use a percentage instead of "up to a third"?

Using a percentage (e.g., 33%) can provide more precision than ""up to a third"", especially when exact figures are important. However, "up to a third" is often sufficient for general descriptions or estimations.

In what contexts is "up to a third" most appropriate?

"Up to a third" is versatile and suitable for various contexts, including news reports, scientific studies, and business communications. Its broad applicability makes it a useful phrase when a specific amount isn't necessary or available.