How to Say Fractions in English.

Duration: 50 minutes.

Let’s take a look at today’s lesson

In today’s English lesson we will look at how to say fractions correctly in English.

Lesson Key: (L) = Listening (U) = Understanding. (R) = Reading.

Questions about fractions.

What are some situations where you need to use fractions in daily life?
How do you say this fraction “1/4” in English?
When do you use fractions in your native language?

How to say fractions in English.

Here are some tips and advice for correctly pronouncing fractions in English:

1. Understanding the Basics

Fractions are made up of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number).
The numerator is usually said as a regular number
(one, two, three, etc.).
The denominator often takes an ordinal number form
(third, fourth, fifth, etc.).

2. Common Patterns for Denominators

1/2 → “One-half” or “a half”
1/3 → “One-third”
1/4 → “One-fourth” or “a quarter”
1/5 → “One-fifth”
1/6 → “One-sixth”, etc.

For denominators above two, you usually add “-th” to the number e.g., third, fourth, fifth, sixth.

3. Fractions with Numerators Greater Than 1

When the numerator is greater than one,
the denominator is made plural:
- 2/3 → “Two-thirds”
- 3/4 → “Three-fourths”
- 5/6 → “Five-sixths”

4. Special Cases

1/4 and 1/2 can have alternative names:
- 1/4 → “A quarter” instead of “one-fourth”
- 1/2 → “A half” instead of “one-half”

Fractions with “one” in the numerator can sometimes sound like possessives:
- 1/8 → “One-eighth” sounds like “one-eights”
- 1/9 → “One-ninth” sounds like “one-ninths”

5. Pronouncing Larger Denominators

When dealing with denominators over 10, continue using the ordinal pattern:
- 1/11 → “One-eleventh”
- 1/12 → “One-twelfth”
- 1/20 → “One-twentieth”

6. Mixed Numbers

A fraction with a whole number is called a mixed number:
- 1 1/2 → “One and a half”
- 2 3/4 → “Two and three-fourths”

Let’s watch this video:
Reading fractions in English.

7. Pronunciation Tips

Be careful with “third” and “thirty”, as they sound similar but mean different things.

Let’s say them together: “third” and “thirty”

“Sixths” and “Fifths” can be tricky. Practice the ending “-ths” by exaggerating the “th” sound at first. The word “quarter” should be pronounced with a clear “kw” sound at the beginning.

Exercise 1: Write down the fraction.

Today, we’re going to learn how to say fractions correctly in English.
Now get a pen and paper and write down these fractions, listen to the audio twice before you start, good luck.

Transcript and Answers

A fraction has two parts: the numerator (the top number) and the denominator (the bottom number).

If the numerator is 1, we use the singular form of the denominator.
For example:

1/2 is “one-half” or just “a half.”
1/4 is “one-fourth” or “a quarter.”
1/3 is “one-third.”
If the numerator is greater than 1, the denominator is plural:

2/3 is “two-thirds.”
3/4 is “three-fourths.”
5/6 is “five-sixths.”

Now, let’s try a quick test!
I will say six fractions. Listen carefully and write them down.

Answers:

1/2 One-half

3/4 Three-fourths

5/6 Five-sixths

2/3 Two-thirds

1/8 One-eighth

7/10 Seven-tenths

Exercise 2: Read Aloud

Read the following fractions out loud:

7/8
1/3
5/6
9/10

1 1/2
3 2/7
4 5/9

Answers

Here’s how you say these fractions correctly in English:

4 5/9 → “Four and five-ninths”

1/2 → “One-half” or “a half”

3/4 → “Three-fourths” or “three-quarters”

2/5 → “Two-fifths”

7/8 → “Seven-eighths”

1/3 → “One-third”

5/6 → “Five-sixths”

9/10 → “Nine-tenths”

1 1/2 → “One and a half”

3 2/7 → “Three and two-sevenths”