A substantial portion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A substantial portion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant amount or part of something, often in discussions about data, resources, or contributions. Example: "A substantial portion of the budget will be allocated to research and development this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A substantial portion of service workers are employed in retailing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A substantial portion of the complaint attacks the assertions Stanford made to his clients.

The New Yorker

A substantial portion of Chelsea fans stood against the appointment of Rafa Benítez.

The Guardian - Sport

A substantial portion of the charge will be taken in the third quarter.

The New York Times

A substantial portion of the pottery has a red slip and is painted with black decoration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A substantial portion of internet usage today involves social media applications.

Decision Support Systems

A substantial portion of House Democrats agreed with Pompeo, and the measure passed 275 to 150.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, a substantial portion of the costs of operating a nuclear plant are imposed on communities.

The New York Times

We are dependent on government-controlled companies for a substantial portion of our needs..

The Guardian - Business

"That makes it less appropriate for a substantial portion of your financial nest egg.

The New York Times

In February 1986, Iran captured a substantial portion of the Fao Peninsula.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial portion of", ensure that the context clearly defines what the 'whole' is, to which the portion relates. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial portion of" when referring to something that is actually quite small or insignificant. The term implies a considerable or noteworthy amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial portion of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that a significant part of it is being referred to. It acts to quantify or specify the extent of something, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial portion of" is a versatile expression used to denote a significant part of a whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "a significant segment of" or "a large percentage of" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it appropriately, ensuring that the 'portion' truly reflects a considerable amount. Ultimately, the phrase serves to highlight the importance or size of a specific part in relation to the whole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant proportion of

Synonymous replacement; 'proportion' maintains formal tone.

a significant segment of

Replaces 'portion' with 'segment', implying a distinct part or division.

a major share of

Uses 'share' instead of 'portion', emphasizing distribution or ownership.

a considerable fraction of

Uses 'fraction' instead of 'portion', suggesting a mathematical representation of the amount.

a considerable amount of

Uses 'amount' instead of 'portion', generalizing the concept of quantity.

a large percentage of

Replaces 'substantial portion' with 'large percentage', quantifying the amount more directly.

a notable quantity of

Replaces 'portion' with 'quantity', focusing on the amount rather than the part.

a large measure of

More formal and emphasizes the degree or extent of something.

a good deal of

More informal than "a substantial portion of", suitable for less formal contexts.

a sizable chunk of

Replaces 'portion' with 'chunk', implying a more informal and potentially larger amount.

FAQs

How to use "a substantial portion of" in a sentence?

Use "a substantial portion of" to indicate that a significant part of something is being referred to. For example, "A substantial portion of the budget is allocated to research."

What can I say instead of "a substantial portion of"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant segment of", "a considerable amount of", or "a large percentage of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a substantial portion of" or "a substantial amount of"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a substantial portion of" is typically used when referring to a part of a whole, while "a substantial amount of" is used for uncountable nouns (e.g., "a substantial amount of money").

What's the difference between "a substantial portion of" and "a significant portion of"?

The phrases "a substantial portion of" and "a significant portion of" are very similar in meaning. "Substantial" implies something solid or considerable, while "significant" emphasizes importance or impact. They are often interchangeable.