a decent portion

USAGE SUMMARY

"a decent portion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used to refer to the size or amount of something. For example, "She served a decent portion of beef stew and potatoes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I end up spending a decent portion of my day doing that.

The New York Times

"Theoretically, they could keep a decent portion of the revenue," said Brian Pitz, a UBS analyst.

The New York Times - Tech

(A decent portion, for shaving over a plate of pasta, risotto or carpaccio, will measure four to five grams).

The New York Times - Food

They also offer up a decent portion of protein, especially for a fruit, which helps sate the appetite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But taxis are so common that most people rely on them, as well as a Soviet-era metro system that covers a decent portion of the city.

The Guardian

This Goldilocks zone — not too high, not too low, but just right — means that companies are returning a decent portion of earnings to shareholders, but not so much that they will have trouble raising payments.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Financial terms of the deal, which closed earlier this month, have not been disclosed by either company, but sources hint that there was a decent equity portion to it.

TechCrunch

One year, when I had a decent garden, I made a small portion of it with freshly grown shelled peas, along with my own lettuce, onions and mint.

The New York Times - Food

From the outside, Seaport looks like a decent alternative to the homelessness that defines another portion of the city's mentally ill.

The New York Times

A decent psychologist (psychotherapy) costs a fortune.

BMC Psychiatry

A large portion of these imports are of good quality, have a decent life expectancy, and bring many socioeconomic benefits, according to the report, but the rest is hazardous junk that is often resold and recycled under unsafe conditions.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decent portion" when you want to convey that an amount is sufficient or considerable, but not necessarily excessive. It strikes a balance between 'too little' and 'too much'.

Common error

While "a decent portion" is generally acceptable, avoid using 'decent' in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language (e.g., 'a significant amount', 'a considerable quantity') would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent portion" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a considerable or acceptable amount. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, with examples showing its application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent portion" is a versatile phrase used to describe an amount that is considered sufficient or reasonable. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news and media, but applicable in various writing contexts. Related phrases include "a considerable amount" and "a fair share". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality, as more precise language may be preferable in technical writing. Remember that "a decent portion" strikes a balance between 'too little' and 'too much', making it a useful tool for describing quantities accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable amount

Emphasizes the size or significance of the amount.

a significant quantity

Highlights the importance and the measure of the amount.

a fair share

Implies a just or equitable distribution of something.

a goodly amount

An older, slightly more formal way to express a sizable quantity.

a substantial segment

Suggests a notable part or section of a whole.

a sizable chunk

Indicates a large or significant piece of something.

a respectable quantity

Highlights the suitability of the amount. It meets certain expectations.

a noteworthy fraction

Highlights the relevance of a part of a whole.

an appreciable extent

Focuses on the noticeable degree or measure.

a reasonable quantity

Suggests that the amount is fair and logical in the specific context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent portion" to describe an amount that is considered sufficient or reasonable, such as "He ate "a decent portion" of the cake" or "The company allocated "a decent portion" of its budget to research and development".

What are some alternatives to "a decent portion"?

Some alternatives to "a decent portion" include "a considerable amount", "a significant quantity", or "a fair share", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a decent portion of" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a decent portion of" something. The phrase is commonly used to indicate a reasonable or substantial amount of a particular item or resource, as in "A decent portion of the profits was donated to charity".

What's the difference between "a decent portion" and "a large portion"?

"A decent portion" suggests a sufficient or reasonable amount, whereas "a large portion" indicates a greater quantity. "A decent portion" implies adequacy, while "a large portion" focuses on the size of the amount.