fraction en 30 secondes
- A small part or piece of a larger whole.
- A mathematical expression for a number that is not whole (e.g., 1/2).
- Often used to emphasize that an amount is very small or tiny.
- Commonly paired with the preposition 'of' (e.g., a fraction of the cost).
The word 'fraction' refers to a numerical quantity that is not a whole number, or a small or tiny part, amount, or proportion of something. Understanding the concept of a fraction is fundamental not only in mathematics but also in everyday language where we describe parts of a whole. When you slice a pizza into eight equal pieces, each piece represents a fraction of the entire pizza. In a broader sense, if you only complete a small portion of your daily tasks, you have only done a fraction of your work. The term originates from the Latin word 'fractio', which means 'a breaking', highlighting the idea of breaking a whole into smaller, manageable parts. In mathematical terms, a fraction is written with a numerator and a denominator, such as 1/2 or 3/4, indicating how many parts you have out of the total number of parts. This concept is crucial for various fields, including science, engineering, economics, and daily life activities like cooking or budgeting. Beyond numbers, 'fraction' is often used to emphasize how small or insignificant an amount is compared to the whole. For example, buying a used car might cost only a fraction of the price of a new one. This dual usage makes 'fraction' a versatile and essential word in the English language.
- Mathematical Definition
- A number expressed as a quotient, in which a numerator is divided by a denominator.
She only ate a fraction of her meal before leaving.
In everyday conversations, you will frequently hear people use 'fraction' to mean a very small amount. This figurative use is powerful because it instantly conveys the idea of something being significantly less than the total. For instance, if a new technology allows a factory to produce goods in a fraction of the time it used to take, it means the process is now much faster and more efficient. The word helps to create a strong contrast between the original amount and the new, smaller amount.
- Everyday Usage
- Used to describe a small part or proportion of a larger entity or group.
The new phone costs a fraction of the price of the older model.
When learning about fractions, it is also helpful to understand related terms such as 'percentage' and 'decimal'. While a fraction shows parts of a whole using a numerator and denominator, a percentage shows parts out of a hundred, and a decimal shows parts using a base-ten system. All three are different ways of expressing the same mathematical concept. For example, the fraction 1/2 is equal to 50% and 0.5. Knowing how to convert between these forms is a key skill in mathematics.
- Related Concepts
- Percentages and decimals are alternative ways to express fractions.
Only a tiny fraction of the population has visited Antarctica.
Fractions can be proper, improper, or mixed. A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than the denominator, like 3/4. An improper fraction has a numerator larger than or equal to the denominator, like 5/4. A mixed number combines a whole number and a proper fraction, like 1 1/4. Understanding these distinctions is important for solving complex mathematical problems and for practical applications like measuring ingredients for a recipe or calculating distances.
He finished the race in a fraction of a second faster than his rival.
The concept of fractions extends into various scientific disciplines. In chemistry, fractional distillation is a process used to separate a mixture into its component parts, or fractions. In physics, the fractional charge of subatomic particles is a fundamental concept. These specialized uses highlight the versatility of the word and its importance in describing complex phenomena accurately. Whether you are dividing a cake, calculating a discount, or studying advanced science, the concept of a fraction is indispensable.
The charity received only a fraction of the donations they needed.
Using the word 'fraction' correctly involves understanding its context, whether mathematical or figurative. In mathematical contexts, 'fraction' is used as a noun to describe a specific type of number. You might say, 'Add the two fractions together,' or 'Convert the decimal into a fraction.' In these cases, the word is precise and refers to numbers written with a numerator and a denominator. When writing or speaking about math, it is important to use the correct terminology, such as 'proper fraction,' 'improper fraction,' or 'equivalent fraction,' to ensure clarity and accuracy. Teachers, students, and professionals in STEM fields use this terminology daily to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively.
- Mathematical Phrasing
- Use 'fraction' to refer to numbers like 1/2, 3/4, or 5/8 in calculations.
You need to multiply the fraction by the whole number.
In everyday, figurative language, 'fraction' is almost always used to mean 'a small part.' It is frequently paired with adjectives like 'small,' 'tiny,' 'minute,' or 'insignificant' to emphasize the smallness of the amount. For example, 'She did the work in a fraction of the time' implies that she was very fast. 'He bought the house for a fraction of its original value' means he got a very good deal. This usage is common in journalism, marketing, and casual conversation to create a strong impression of reduction or smallness.
- Figurative Phrasing
- Pair with adjectives like 'small' or 'tiny' to emphasize a minimal amount.
The error occurred in a fraction of a second.
When using 'fraction' to mean a part of a whole, it is usually followed by the preposition 'of.' The structure is typically 'a fraction of [noun].' For example, 'a fraction of the cost,' 'a fraction of the population,' or 'a fraction of an inch.' This grammatical structure is essential for linking the small part to the larger whole it belongs to. It is incorrect to say 'a fraction the cost' without the preposition 'of.' Paying attention to this small grammatical detail will make your English sound much more natural and fluent.
- Grammar Structure
- Always use 'a fraction of' followed by the noun representing the whole.
Only a small fraction of the students passed the difficult exam.
In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, 'fraction' can be used to describe statistical data. Instead of saying 'a small number of people,' a researcher might write 'a fraction of the participants.' This sounds more professional and precise. However, if the exact percentage is known and is significant, it is usually better to state the percentage rather than just saying 'a fraction.' For instance, '15% of the participants' is better than 'a fraction of the participants' if you want to be exact. 'Fraction' is best used when the exact number is less important than the idea that the amount is small.
The company's profits are now a mere fraction of what they were last year.
Another common use of 'fraction' is in the phrase 'by a fraction,' which means by a very small amount. This is often used in sports or competitions. For example, 'He missed the world record by a fraction of a second.' This highlights how close the result was and adds drama to the description. Similarly, you might say, 'The temperature dropped by a fraction of a degree.' In all these cases, 'fraction' serves to quantify a very small, almost imperceptible change or difference, making it a highly useful word for detailed descriptions.
She moved the picture to the left by just a fraction of an inch.
The word 'fraction' is ubiquitous in both educational settings and everyday life. You will first encounter it in elementary school mathematics classes. Teachers use it to explain how to divide objects into equal parts, using visual aids like pies or pizzas. As students progress, they hear 'fraction' in algebra, geometry, and calculus, where it becomes a foundational concept for more complex mathematical operations. In these academic environments, the word is used strictly in its literal, numerical sense. You will hear phrases like 'simplifying fractions,' 'adding fractions,' and 'multiplying fractions' constantly in a classroom setting.
- Classroom Setting
- Used by teachers and students when discussing mathematics and division.
The teacher asked the class to reduce the fraction to its lowest terms.
Beyond the classroom, 'fraction' is frequently heard in the world of finance and business. Financial analysts, accountants, and business owners use the term to discuss profit margins, market shares, and cost reductions. For example, a business might aim to produce goods at a 'fraction of the cost' of their competitors to gain a market advantage. In stock markets, price changes were historically reported in fractions before moving to decimals. Even today, you might hear investors talk about owning a 'fraction of a share' in a company, especially with the rise of modern trading apps that allow fractional investing.
- Business and Finance
- Used to describe costs, market shares, and investments.
You can now buy a fraction of a stock if you cannot afford a whole share.
In everyday consumer life, 'fraction' is a popular word in advertising and marketing. Companies frequently use it to emphasize savings and value. Commercials will loudly proclaim that you can get their product for 'a fraction of the price' of a leading brand. This usage is designed to make the consumer feel like they are getting a significant bargain. You will hear this in television ads, see it on billboards, and read it in promotional emails. It is a persuasive linguistic tool that relies on the consumer's understanding that a 'fraction' means a much smaller amount of money.
- Advertising
- Used to highlight discounts, savings, and better value compared to competitors.
Get premium quality for a fraction of the regular price!
In the realm of sports and competitive events, 'fraction' is used to describe incredibly small margins of victory or defeat. Commentators and journalists use phrases like 'a fraction of a second' or 'a fraction of an inch' to convey the intensity and closeness of a race or match. In sports like swimming, track and field, or Formula 1 racing, where timing is precise to the millisecond, a fraction of a second is often the difference between winning a gold medal and not making the podium at all. This usage adds drama and excitement to sports reporting.
The runner won the marathon by a mere fraction of a second.
Finally, you will hear 'fraction' in scientific and technical contexts. Scientists use it to describe parts of a mixture, such as in 'fractional distillation' of crude oil, where oil is separated into useful fractions like gasoline and diesel. In medicine, a doctor might prescribe a 'fraction of a dose' for a child compared to an adult. In these fields, precision is paramount, and 'fraction' provides a way to discuss specific, measured parts of a whole system or substance. It is a word that bridges the gap between abstract mathematics and concrete, real-world applications.
The crude oil is heated and separated into different fractions.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with the word 'fraction' is omitting the preposition 'of' when using it to describe a part of a whole. It is incorrect to say 'a fraction the cost' or 'a fraction the time.' The correct structure must always include 'of,' as in 'a fraction of the cost' or 'a fraction of the time.' The word 'fraction' acts as a noun that needs to be linked to the larger whole it represents, and the preposition 'of' serves this linking function. Forgetting this small word can make a sentence sound unnatural to native speakers.
- Missing Preposition
- Always use 'of' after 'fraction' when describing a part of something.
Incorrect: He did it in a fraction the time. Correct: He did it in a fraction of the time.
Another frequent error is confusing 'fraction' with 'friction.' While they sound somewhat similar and share some letters, their meanings are entirely different. 'Fraction' refers to a part of a whole or a mathematical number, whereas 'friction' refers to the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another, or conflict between people. Mixing up these two words can lead to confusing sentences, such as 'There is a lot of fraction between the two departments,' which should be 'friction.' Careful pronunciation and spelling practice can help avoid this mix-up.
- Confusing Words
- Do not confuse 'fraction' (a part) with 'friction' (resistance or conflict).
The car slowed down due to the friction, not the fraction, of the tires on the road.
Learners sometimes misuse 'fraction' when they actually mean 'percentage.' While both represent parts of a whole, they are used differently in sentences. You would say 'a large percentage of people,' but you would typically say 'a large fraction of people' less often; 'fraction' is more commonly used to emphasize a *small* amount in everyday speech. If you mean 50%, it is clearer to say 'half' or '50%' rather than 'a fraction,' unless you are specifically talking about the mathematical form 1/2. Using 'fraction' to mean a large majority can sound awkward.
- Usage Context
- Reserve 'fraction' for small amounts in everyday speech, rather than large majorities.
It is better to say 'a large percentage' rather than 'a large fraction' when meaning most people.
In mathematical writing, a mistake is using the wrong terminology for the parts of a fraction. The top number is the numerator, and the bottom number is the denominator. Calling them the 'top number' and 'bottom number' is acceptable in casual speech or for beginners, but in formal math contexts, using the correct terms is expected. Furthermore, confusing proper and improper fractions is a common conceptual mistake. A proper fraction has a smaller numerator than denominator, while an improper fraction has a larger numerator. Knowing these terms helps in clear communication.
In the fraction 3/4, 3 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator.
Finally, a subtle mistake is overusing the phrase 'a fraction of a second.' While it is a great idiom to describe something very fast, using it too frequently in creative writing can make the text feel cliché or repetitive. Writers should try to vary their language by using synonyms like 'an instant,' 'a split second,' 'a heartbeat,' or 'a flash.' Expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives will make your writing more engaging and less reliant on a single, overused phrase. 'Fraction' is a great word, but variety is key to good writing.
Instead of saying 'in a fraction of a second' again, try 'in a split second'.
When expanding your vocabulary, it is helpful to learn words that are similar to 'fraction.' One of the most common synonyms is 'part.' A part is a piece or segment of something that combined with other pieces makes up the whole. 'Part' is a very general word and can be used in almost any context where 'fraction' is used, though it lacks the specific mathematical connotation. For example, 'a part of the cake' is the same as 'a fraction of the cake.' However, 'fraction' often implies a smaller or more precise division than the general word 'part.'
- Part
- A general term for a piece or segment of a whole.
He only read a small part, or fraction, of the book.
Another excellent synonym is 'portion.' A portion is a part of a whole, especially a part given to someone or allocated for a specific purpose, like a portion of food. While 'fraction' can be abstract, 'portion' often feels more tangible and is frequently used when dividing things among people. You might have a 'portion of the profits' or a 'portion of the meal.' In many cases, 'portion' and 'fraction' can be used interchangeably, but 'portion' is less likely to be used to describe a tiny, insignificant amount in the way 'fraction' often is.
- Portion
- A part allocated or distributed, often used with food or money.
She donated a large portion, rather than a tiny fraction, of her salary to charity.
The word 'proportion' is also related but has a slightly different focus. Proportion refers to the relationship of one part to another or to the whole, often in terms of size, quantity, or degree. While a fraction is a specific number (like 1/4), a proportion describes the comparative relationship. For example, 'The proportion of men to women in the room is high.' You wouldn't usually say 'The fraction of men to women.' Understanding the nuance between a specific part (fraction) and a comparative relationship (proportion) is important for precise language use.
- Proportion
- The comparative relationship between parts of a whole.
The fraction 1/2 represents a proportion of one to two.
For emphasizing a very small part, words like 'fragment' or 'sliver' are great alternatives to 'fraction.' A fragment is a small part broken or separated off something, often implying damage or incompleteness, like a fragment of glass. A sliver is a small, thin piece of something cut or split off a larger piece, like a sliver of cake or a sliver of hope. These words are more descriptive and visual than the abstract 'fraction.' Using 'fragment' or 'sliver' can make your writing more vivid and paint a clearer picture in the reader's mind.
He only remembered a fragment of the dream, a mere fraction of the whole story.
In mathematical contexts, 'ratio' is a closely related term. A ratio shows the relative sizes of two or more values. While a fraction like 3/4 shows three parts out of a total of four, a ratio of 3:1 shows three parts of one thing to one part of another (making four parts total). They express similar mathematical concepts but are written and conceptualized slightly differently. Knowing when to use 'fraction,' 'percentage,' 'decimal,' and 'ratio' gives you a complete toolkit for discussing numbers and parts of a whole accurately in English.
The ratio of boys to girls is 2:1, meaning boys make up a 2/3 fraction of the class.
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
Noun + Preposition combinations (Noun + of)
Quantifiers and Partitives
Comparisons (much less, a fraction of)
Subject-Verb Agreement with partitive phrases (A fraction of the pie *is*... vs A fraction of the apples *are*...)
Adjective order (a *small* fraction)
Exemples par niveau
A fraction of the pizza is left.
A small part of the pizza
Noun phrase 'A fraction of'
1/2 is a fraction.
A math number
Used as a math term
I only ate a fraction of my apple.
A piece of the apple
Object of the verb 'ate'
She did a fraction of the work.
A little bit of work
Followed by 'of the'
A quarter is a fraction.
1/4 is a part
Subject of the sentence
He paid a fraction of the price.
A very small cost
Common phrase 'fraction of the price'
We need to learn fractions in math.
Math parts
Plural form 'fractions'
This is only a small fraction.
A tiny part
Modified by adjective 'small'
Only a small fraction of the students failed the test.
A few students
Subject of the sentence, indicating a group
The toy costs a fraction of what it used to.
Much cheaper now
Comparing past and present cost
She finished the race in a fraction of a second faster.
A tiny bit of time
Time expression 'fraction of a second'
I understand a fraction of this book.
A small part of the book
Object of 'understand'
Can you write that as a fraction?
Write as a math part
Prepositional phrase 'as a fraction'
A large fraction of the town was flooded.
A big part of the town
Modified by 'large'
We spent a fraction of our holiday at the beach.
Part of the vacation
Used with time/events
The recipe calls for a fraction of a cup of sugar.
Less than a whole cup
Measurement context
She has completed only a fraction of her homework so far.
A small amount of homework
Used with present perfect tense
The new engine uses a fraction of the fuel compared to the old one.
Much less fuel
Used for comparison
In math class, we learned how to multiply and divide fractions.
Math operations with parts
Plural noun in academic context
Even a fraction of an error can ruin the experiment.
A tiny mistake
Emphasizing smallness with 'Even a'
He sold his car for a mere fraction of its original value.
A very low price
Collocation 'a mere fraction'
A significant fraction of the population voted in the election.
A noticeable part of people
Collocation 'significant fraction'
Convert the decimal 0.75 into a fraction.
Change to a math part
Imperative sentence in math context
The delay was just a fraction of a minute, but it felt longer.
A few seconds
Contrasting a small time with a feeling
A fraction of a second can make the difference between winning and losing a gold medal.
A tiny moment in time
Subject of a complex sentence
The company's profits this quarter are a fraction of what analysts had predicted.
Much lower profits than expected
Used in financial reporting
To solve the equation, you must first find a common denominator for the fractions.
Math parts with the same bottom number
Technical math vocabulary
Despite his wealth, he donates only a tiny fraction of his income to charitable causes.
A very small percentage of money
Collocation 'tiny fraction'
The new software processes data in a fraction of the time required by previous systems.
Much faster processing
Highlighting efficiency
Only a fraction of the art stolen during the war has ever been recovered.
A small portion of the stolen art
Passive voice context
She adjusted the microscope lens by a fraction of a millimeter to bring the cell into focus.
A microscopic distance
Prepositional phrase 'by a fraction'
Understanding fractions is a prerequisite for learning algebra and more advanced mathematics.
Knowing about math parts
Gerund phrase 'Understanding fractions'
The cost of the renovation was a mere fraction of the initial estimates provided by the contractors.
A surprisingly small amount of the estimate
Formal phrasing 'a mere fraction of'
In quantum physics, particles can possess a fractional electric charge, unlike protons or electrons.
A charge that is not a whole number
Adjective form 'fractional'
He comprehends only a fraction of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
A very limited understanding
Abstract usage for understanding
The fractional reserve banking system allows banks to lend out more money than they hold in deposits.
A system using parts of reserves
Specific economic terminology
The artist captured the fleeting emotion in a fraction of a second, freezing it forever on canvas.
An instant in time
Literary/descriptive usage
A substantial fraction of the committee's time was monopolized by trivial procedural debates.
A large part of the time
Collocation 'substantial fraction'
The chemical mixture is separated into its constituent fractions through a process of distillation.
Component parts of a mixture
Scientific noun usage
Her success is due, in no small fraction, to her relentless work ethic and perseverance.
A significant part of the reason
Idiomatic phrase 'in no small fraction'
The infinitesimal fraction of a degree by which the telescope was misaligned rendered the astronomical data entirely useless.
An incredibly tiny part of a degree
Highly precise descriptive phrase
He argued that the proposed legislation would address only a fraction of the systemic inequalities embedded in the institution.
A very small part of the deep issues
Abstract socio-political context
The algorithm's efficiency is such that it can parse terabytes of data in a fraction of the temporal overhead previously necessitated.
A very small amount of the time needed before
Advanced technical/academic register
In the realm of high-frequency trading, a fraction of a millisecond constitutes an insurmountable competitive advantage.
A tiny part of a millisecond
Specialized financial context
The author's genius lies in her ability to illuminate the profound within a mere fraction of a seemingly mundane interaction.
A tiny part of a normal conversation
Literary criticism register
Fractional calculus, a branch of mathematical analysis, deals with derivatives and integrals of non-integer orders.
Math with non-whole number parts
Advanced mathematical terminology
The artifact represents but a fraction of the cultural wealth that was plundered during the colonial era.
Only a small piece of the stolen culture
Formal historical discourse
Her critique dismantled the theory, demonstrating that it held true for only a highly specific and negligible fraction of test cases.
A very small and unimportant number of cases
Academic argumentation context
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Structures de phrases
Comment l'utiliser
The verb following 'a fraction of [noun]' agrees with the noun. 'A fraction of the *water is* gone.' 'A fraction of the *apples are* bad.'
Literally, a fraction is any part of a whole (even 99/100). Figuratively, it almost always means a *very small* part.
- Saying 'a fraction the cost' instead of 'a fraction OF the cost'.
- Confusing the spelling and meaning of 'fraction' with 'friction'.
- Using 'fraction' to describe a large majority (e.g., 'A fraction of 99% of people agree').
- Forgetting to make the verb plural when the noun is plural (e.g., 'A fraction of the men IS here' instead of 'ARE here').
- Pronouncing the '-tion' ending as '-sion' (with a 'zh' sound instead of 'sh').
Astuces
Don't forget 'of'
Always use the preposition 'of' after 'fraction' when describing a part of a noun. Say 'a fraction of the time', not 'a fraction the time'.
Use adjectives for emphasis
To make your English sound more natural, pair 'fraction' with adjectives. 'A tiny fraction' or 'a small fraction' sounds much better than just 'a fraction'.
Watch out for 'friction'
Be careful not to confuse the pronunciation of 'fraction' with 'friction'. 'Fraction' has an 'a' sound like in 'cat', while 'friction' has an 'i' sound like in 'sit'.
Subject-Verb Agreement
When you write 'A fraction of the [noun]', the verb must match the noun. 'A fraction of the cake IS eaten' but 'A fraction of the cookies ARE eaten'.
Learn the math terms
If you are studying math in English, memorize 'numerator' (top) and 'denominator' (bottom). It will make understanding fractions much easier.
A fraction of a second
Use the phrase 'in a fraction of a second' to describe things that happen incredibly fast. It is a great phrase for storytelling.
Marketing language
In business English, use 'at a fraction of the cost' to persuade people that your product is a good value. It is a very common and effective sales phrase.
The -tion ending
Remember that 'fraction' ends in '-tion', which is a common suffix for nouns in English. It is spelled with a 't', not an 's' or 'c'.
Figurative meaning
Remember that outside of math class, 'fraction' almost always means a *small* part. Don't use it to describe 90% of something in casual conversation.
Vary your words
If you find yourself using 'fraction' too much, switch it up with 'portion' or 'part' to keep your speaking and writing interesting.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a FRACTured bone; it is broken into parts. A FRACTION is a broken part of a whole number.
Origine du mot
Late Middle English
Contexte culturel
Fractions are considered a major hurdle in early math education globally, often marking the transition from simple arithmetic to more complex abstract thinking.
Countries using the Imperial measurement system (like the US) use fractions much more frequently in daily life (inches, cups) than countries using the metric system.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"Have you ever bought something expensive for a fraction of the price?"
"Do you find it easier to work with fractions or decimals in math?"
"Can you think of a time when a fraction of a second made a big difference in your life?"
"Why do you think some recipes use fractions instead of exact weights?"
"How much is a 'fraction' to you? Is it 10%, 1%, or less?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a situation where you only had a fraction of the information but had to make a decision.
Write about a time you saved money, buying something for a fraction of its original cost.
Explain how you use fractions in your daily life, perhaps in cooking or measuring.
Imagine a world without fractions. How would we measure things?
Write a short story where a fraction of a second changes the main character's life.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsA fraction is a number that represents a part of a whole. It is written with a top number (numerator) and a bottom number (denominator). For example, 1/2 is a fraction meaning one out of two parts. In everyday language, it means a small piece or amount of something.
You usually use it with the word 'of'. For example, 'I only ate a fraction of the pizza.' You can also use it to talk about time or money, like 'It costs a fraction of the original price.' It emphasizes that the amount is small.
Both represent parts of a whole, but they are written differently. A fraction uses a numerator and denominator, like 1/2. A decimal uses a point and a base-ten system, like 0.5. They mean the exact same amount.
Yes, 'fraction' is a countable noun. You can have one fraction or many fractions. For example, 'We learned about three different fractions in math class today.'
It is an idiom that means a very, very short amount of time. It is often used in sports or to describe something happening instantly. For example, 'The car crash happened in a fraction of a second.'
Yes, in mathematics, this is called an improper fraction. For example, 5/4 is a fraction that is larger than one whole. However, in everyday conversation, people usually use 'fraction' to mean less than a whole.
The top number of a mathematical fraction is called the numerator. It tells you how many parts you have. The bottom number is the denominator, which tells you how many parts make up the whole.
It is pronounced /ˈfræk.ʃən/. The first syllable 'frac' sounds like 'track' with an 'f'. The second syllable 'tion' sounds like 'shun'. The stress is on the first syllable.
Good synonyms include 'part', 'portion', 'piece', or 'segment'. If you want to emphasize that it is very small, you can use 'sliver' or 'fragment'. 'Proportion' is also a related word.
This is a common phrase used in advertising and everyday speech. It means that something is much cheaper than it used to be or cheaper than a competitor. It makes the buyer feel like they are getting a great deal.
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Summary
The word 'fraction' is essential for both mathematical calculations and everyday descriptions. It perfectly describes a part of a whole, and is powerfully used in conversation to emphasize how small or insignificant an amount, cost, or time period is.
- A small part or piece of a larger whole.
- A mathematical expression for a number that is not whole (e.g., 1/2).
- Often used to emphasize that an amount is very small or tiny.
- Commonly paired with the preposition 'of' (e.g., a fraction of the cost).
Don't forget 'of'
Always use the preposition 'of' after 'fraction' when describing a part of a noun. Say 'a fraction of the time', not 'a fraction the time'.
Use adjectives for emphasis
To make your English sound more natural, pair 'fraction' with adjectives. 'A tiny fraction' or 'a small fraction' sounds much better than just 'a fraction'.
Watch out for 'friction'
Be careful not to confuse the pronunciation of 'fraction' with 'friction'. 'Fraction' has an 'a' sound like in 'cat', while 'friction' has an 'i' sound like in 'sit'.
Subject-Verb Agreement
When you write 'A fraction of the [noun]', the verb must match the noun. 'A fraction of the cake IS eaten' but 'A fraction of the cookies ARE eaten'.
Exemple
I only ate a fraction of my dinner because I was not hungry.
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