Describing percentages

Try to generalize about percentages, rather than repeat the exact figure that you are given.

• Use fractions A third of the money was spent on entertainment. | Three quarters of the respondents stated that they were travelling for business purposes.
  • The general construction for fractions is: a + third + of + the + plural verb. For example: A quarter of the people had never smoked in their lives.
  • Half is an exception: a + half + of + the + singular verb, or half + the + singular verb. For example: A half of the money was spent on food. | Half the money was spent on food.
• Use proportions Two out of three people felt that the government should be responsible, compared to only one in four who felt that it was the responsibility of business and industry. (instead of two thirds or a quarter)
  • If the first number is 1, use the preposition in. If the first number is higher than 1, use the preposition out of. For example: One in three people would like to see the government pay for higher education. | Three out of four people said that they had smoked at some time in their lives.
• Use general vocabulary to describe the size of something The majority of the people felt that it would have a negative influence. | A small minority claimed that they had seen no improvements.