a big portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant amount or share of something, often in the context of food or resources. Example: "At the buffet, I took a big portion of pasta because it looked so delicious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's a big portion of our offense.

The New York Times - Sports

Sports budgeting is a big portion of that.

The New York Times

"That dish was also a big portion," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

But a big portion of that increase came from gains that will be difficult to repeat.

The New York Times

That is because a big portion of their revenue comes from foreign customers.

The New York Times

"My childhood memories, a big portion of those are watching my dad coach.

The New York Times - Sports

Regulars seem to make up a big portion of the store's clientele.

The New York Times

Break bread with a glutton, and you'll most likely eat a big portion too.

The New York Times

Speculators own a big portion of the housing stock in Myrtle Beach.

The New York Times - Tech

And Marx's ideas were used to remake the world, or a big portion of it.

The New Yorker

He'll eat a big portion of rice and beans and chicken.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what the "big portion" refers to. For example, specify "a big portion of the budget" or "a big portion of the population" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a big portion" when a more precise measurement or percentage is available. If you know that something constitutes 75% of the total, stating "75%" is more informative than saying "a big portion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big portion" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a significant quantity or share of something. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it's used to describe parts of budgets, profits, and populations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big portion" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a significant quantity or share. It is versatile, appearing across various contexts such as news, science, and business, as highlighted by Ludwig. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or highly professional settings. Remember to use this phrase to effectively emphasize the magnitude of a part relative to the whole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major share

Highlights the significant contribution or ownership of something.

a significant chunk

Implies a sizable and noticeable piece or amount.

a large segment

Emphasizes a considerable part of a whole, often used when referring to groups or populations.

a sizable piece

Highlights the substantial size of a part.

a considerable amount

Focuses on the quantity being large or noteworthy.

a substantial fraction

Indicates a notable part of a total quantity, often used in mathematical or statistical contexts.

a large quantity

Directly refers to the amount being substantial.

a hefty part

Suggests a considerable portion, often with a sense of weight or impact.

a generous helping

Implies a plentiful amount, often associated with food or resources.

a good deal

Indicates a large quantity or amount, but can also refer to effort.

FAQs

How can I use "a big portion" in a sentence?

You can use "a big portion" to describe a significant amount or share of something. For example, "A big portion of the budget is allocated to marketing" or "I ate "a big portion of the cake"".

What are some alternatives to "a big portion"?

Alternatives include "a large segment", "a major share", or "a substantial fraction", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a large part" or "a big portion"?

Both "a large part" and "a big portion" are acceptable, but "a big portion" often implies a more concrete or measurable quantity, especially when referring to physical objects or resources. "A large part" can be more abstract.

Can "a big portion" be used in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in formal or academic writing, it's often better to use more precise or sophisticated synonyms like "a significant amount" or "a considerable quantity" to maintain a professional tone.