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  • 1
    Note that when we say half a kilo, the "numeric quantifier" attaches to a (replaceable in that context by of one). We always include [of] a / one between a fractional value and the "thing being counted / quantified" in speech, even if we don't always write it. Commented May 22, 2024 at 11:27
  • 2
    I'd say that expressing it as a fraction isn't fundamentally the reason for the singular - it's because you're using "of". "Three-fourths" isn't actually grammatically quantifying "liter", as you can see by the intervening article. So "three-fourths of a liter" is the same type of expression as "most of a liter" or even "the weight of a liter". Commented May 22, 2024 at 12:46
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    I think there's also an aspect of whether fractions of a whole represent countable quantities or not - consider "Half the milk is needed for this recipe" versus "Half the workers are needed for this task." Commented May 22, 2024 at 13:31
  • 2
    I'm pretty sure I would say "three-quarters of a litre are needed" not "is needed". After all, we are referring to multiple quarters, not one. I would say one quarter of a litre is needed, but not three. Commented May 22, 2024 at 18:20
  • 3
    @terdon After taking a bite, three-quarters of my apple remains. I then slice it into three equal pieces; now three quarters of my original apple (so, three quarter-apples) are on the table. Commented May 23, 2024 at 1:38