2.258 singular fractions
When you express a fraction in words, the way you do so depends on whether the fraction is singular or plural. If it is singular, you write or say an ordinal number or the special fraction term 'quarter', with either the number 'one' or a determiner such as 'a' in front of them. The fraction is linked to a noun group by 'of'.
- This state produces a third of the nation's oil.
- ...a quarter of an inch.
- You can take a fifth of your money out on demand.
- A tenth of the working population will be writing material for computers.
- Forests cover one third of the country.
- ...one thousandth of a degree.
An adjective can also be placed after the determiner and before the fraction.
- ...the arrangements for each half of the school.
- ...the first half of the twentieth century.
- I read the first half of the book.
- ...the southern half of England.
- ...in the last quarter of 1980.