“A large percent of students passed.”
Usage Entry 1322 / 1350 60-second read
Percent vs. Percentage
Used with a specific number versus used without a number.
The comparisoni
“A large percentage of students passed — "percentage" is used without a specific number. "Percent" pairs with a number (50 percent).”
The ruleii
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PERCENT = with number. PERCENTAGE = without.
PERCENT is paired with a specific number — "50 percent." PERCENTAGE is used generally, without a number — "a large percentage." Rule of thumb: if a number precedes the word, use "percent"; otherwise use "percentage."
Memory aidiii
Remember it like this
50 percent. A big percentage.