Grammar & Usage

Saying & Writing

Percentages
Reference
Percentages are used in many
situations (for grades/marks, Percent How to Say This Percent
statistics, scientific facts, or
1% one percent
even when talking about effort).
5% five percent
Look at the percentages in the
chart. Notice that unlike other 10% ten percent, one-tenth (of)
rules about writing numbers,
it’s best to use numerals when 20% twenty percent
writing percentages (except at
the beginning of a sentence). 28% twenty-eight percent

50% fifty percent, half (of)

75% seventy-five percent, three quarters (of)

84% eighty-four percent

99% ninety-nine percent, almost all (of)

100% one-hundred percent, all (of)

Note #1 Note #2
The word “percent” is used with numbers. In general, the verb agrees with
The word “percentage” is used when the noun, not the percentage.
the numbers aren’t mentioned.
• Only 1% of the members are at the meeting.
• What percentage is the sales tax? • Five percent of the snow is from yesterday.
• The sales tax is 15%. • I was told that 50% of marriages end in divorce.

Copyright 2016, Red River Press Inc. For use by members of ESL Library in accordance with membership terms. 1
 Saying & Writing Percentages
Grammar & Usage

Practice
Practice saying these examples out loud.

1. Wealthy people represent 1% of the population.

2. I have a coupon for 5% off.

3. We will allocate 20% of the funds to health and wellness.

4. Our profits are 60% higher than last year.

5. Only 28% of eligible voters showed up.

6. We had a 50% increase in sales.

7. I got 75% on my French test.

8. Twenty-five percent of the students who apply to this program are accepted each year.

9. We’re donating 99% of the money to charity.

10. Let’s all give 100% on the day of the show.

11. I agree with you 100%.

Copyright 2016, Red River Press Inc. For use by members of ESL Library in accordance with membership terms. 2