well over half

USAGE SUMMARY

'well over half' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a quantity that is greater than 50%, but not by a huge amount. For example: "The survey showed that well over half of the participants agreed with the statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And Firestone adds, "Well over half of our products are made in Asia".

Forbes

Well over half leave for Britain.

The Economist

Well over half his month's income goes on food.

The Economist

For decades coal had provided well over half America's electricity.

The Economist

Well over half of this was pure profit.

The Economist

Pakistan thus lost well over half its population.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Well over half the villagers are now back.

The New York Times

Equally predictably, well over half named "lack of time" as their biggest problem.

The Economist

It has been translated into six languages and sold well over half a million copies.

The New York Times - Magazine

Of that low number, well over half voted for pro-democracy candidates, broadly defined.

The Economist

Well over half of suspended load is deposited at river mouths as deltaic and estuarine sediment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When citing statistics, provide the exact percentage or number if available, instead of only saying "well over half", to add precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "well over half" when the exact proportion is critical. This phrase implies an approximate quantity exceeding 50%, but it doesn't convey the level of precision needed in statistical or technical contexts. Use the accurate percentage or fraction instead.

Linguistic Context

"Well over half" functions as a quantifier, indicating a proportion significantly greater than 50%. Ludwig AI shows frequent use in describing statistical data, survey results, and proportions within a given population or sample. It is often used to highlight a significant majority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well over half" is a common phrase used to express that a quantity is substantially more than 50%. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and frequent use across diverse sources. It is most commonly found in news articles and encyclopedias to report data and findings, but can also be found in formal and business writing. When using this phrase, ensure it appropriately conveys the significance of the proportion and consider precise percentages when accuracy is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than half

Directly states a quantity exceeding 50%, without the added emphasis of "well over".

over half

A simpler way of expressing a quantity greater than 50%, lacking the intensifier "well".

a majority

Indicates a quantity greater than 50%, focusing on the concept of dominance rather than precise quantification.

more than 50 percent

A more explicit and numerical way of saying "well over half", useful when precision is needed.

substantially more than half

Emphasizes that the quantity is significantly greater than 50%.

a good portion

Indicates a significant but not necessarily precisely defined portion, implying a notable quantity.

a sizable fraction

Highlights that a notable segment or part is being referred to.

the greater part

Focuses on the concept of a larger segment relative to the whole, synonymous to "majority".

a considerable number

Emphasizes a large quantity without specifying the precise proportion exceeding 50%.

the bulk

Refers to the major part or largest portion, implying dominance in size or quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "well over half" in a sentence?

You can use "well over half" to indicate that a quantity is significantly more than 50%. For example, "Well over half of the participants agreed with the proposal".

What phrases are similar to "well over half"?

Similar phrases include "more than half", "over half", or "a majority", depending on the desired level of emphasis and formality.

Is it correct to say "good over half" instead of "well over half"?

While "good over half" might be understood, "well over half" is the standard and more widely accepted phrasing.

When should I use a precise percentage instead of "well over half"?

Use a precise percentage when accuracy is important or when the exact figure is known. "Well over half" is suitable for generalizations or approximations where a precise number isn't necessary.