Fractions
A2 · ElementaryEnglish BasicsLearn how to read common fractions such as one half, one third and three quarters.
What you'll learn
- Numerator and denominator
- The most common fractions
- Singular vs. plural denominators
- Mixed numbers like one and a half
What is a fraction?
1/2
top number = numerator, bottom number = denominator
Terminology is secondary at this level — the focus is reading fractions in practical, everyday English.
Common fractions
When the numerator is greater than one, the denominator word is plural: one third, but two thirds. One quarter, but three quarters.
Half / quarter
half an hour
a quarter of the pizza
Don't confuse this with clock-time "quarter past" — see Telling the Time for that use.
Mixed numbers
1 1/2 → one and a half
2 1/4 → two and a quarter
Real life
Cooking, portions, distance and time.
Practice
Exercise 1 · Match the fraction to its reading
0 / 4 matched
Exercise 2 · Singular or plural denominator?
2/3 is read:
Exercise 3 · Read 1 1/2
1 1/2 →
Exercise 4 · Visual fraction selection
Which fraction is shown?
Exercise 5 · Singular or plural denominator?
1/4 is read:
Exercise 6 · Quarter or fourth?
For 1/4, which is true?
Exercise 7 · Recipe, time and distance
The recipe needs 3/4 cup of sugar. How do you say this?
The meeting will take about 1/2 hour. How do you say this?
It's 1/4 mile to the store. How do you say this?
Exercise 8 · Convert the other way
"Two and a quarter" written as a mixed number is:
Quick challenge
Five quick questions to check what stuck.
Question 1 / 5
Score: 0/0
1/2 is read:
You learned
- The top number is the numerator; the bottom is the denominator.
- 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 and 3/4 are the most common everyday fractions.
- When the numerator is greater than one, use a plural denominator: two thirds, three quarters.
- Half and quarter are especially useful in everyday English.
- 1 1/2 is read as one and a half.