What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
percentage
Example
The percentage of students who passed the exam was 85%. [percentage: noun]
Example
She received a percentage of the profits from the sale. [percentage: noun]
Example
The percentage increase in sales was significant. [percentage: adjective]
fraction
Example
He ate a fraction of the pizza and saved the rest for later. [fraction: noun]
Example
The fraction 3/4 represents three parts out of four. [fraction: noun]
Example
She struggled with adding and subtracting fractions in math class. [fraction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Percentage is more commonly used than fraction in everyday language, especially in fields such as finance and economics. However, fraction is more commonly used in mathematical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between percentage and fraction?
Fraction is generally considered more formal than percentage, as it is primarily used in mathematical contexts and may not be as familiar to non-mathematical audiences. Percentage, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
