a fair portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reasonable or adequate amount of something, often in contexts related to food, resources, or distribution. Example: "At the dinner table, everyone received a fair portion of the main dish, ensuring that no one felt left out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a fair portion of it was very negative.

The New York Times

Children love sweets (a fair portion of children, at least).

Britannica

Pam occupied herself with rustic pursuits and came in for a fair portion of teasing herself.

The New York Times

But then, a fair portion of the audience was howling consistently at the antics onstage.

The New York Times

I also drank a fair portion of neat vodka to take the edge off things.

Independent

They do, however, take up a fair portion of mind space.

The New York Times - Travel

This is a title set to swallow a fair portion of your life.

The Guardian - Tech

Will naming-and-shaming about paying a fair portion of shared infrastructure continue?

Harvard Business Review

Still, City would give a fair portion of their considerable riches for a future Champions League record to mirror Bayern's.

Independent

It has formed a fair portion of my diet over the past three seasons – I'll explain in a moment.

The Guardian

A fair portion of supporters have no memory of the World Cups of 1986 and 1982, never mind 1958.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fair portion" when you want to imply that the amount is adequate or reasonable, suggesting equity or justice in distribution. For example, "Each employee received a fair portion of the company's profits."

Common error

Avoid using "a fair portion" without specifying what constitutes fairness in that particular scenario. Without context, the phrase can be vague and open to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair portion" functions as a quantifier, specifying an amount or share of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically sound and used in varied contexts. It typically modifies a noun, indicating a measurable quantity or part.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fair portion" is a versatile phrase used to denote an adequate and often equitable quantity of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly news and media. To ensure clarity, specify what "fair" means in the context. Alternatives include "a considerable amount" or "a substantial part". While this phrase is common, using it effectively involves providing sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's examples underscore its widespread usage and acceptability across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable amount

Emphasizes the significance of the quantity.

a substantial part

Highlights the importance and size of the fraction.

a significant share

Focuses on the allocation or division of something.

a goodly amount

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

a sizable chunk

Implies a large and noticeable piece or part.

a respectable quantity

Suggests that the amount is noteworthy and worthy of acknowledgment.

a reasonable share

Implies just distribution and equity.

an appreciable segment

Highlights that portion is easily recognized or perceived.

a generous helping

Emphasizes abundance, often used in the context of food.

a decent measure

Highlights sufficiency and acceptability of the quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fair portion" to describe an adequate amount or share of something. For example: "A fair portion of the cake was eaten" or "The company allocated a fair portion of its budget to research".

What are some alternatives to "a fair portion"?

Alternatives include "a considerable amount", "a substantial part", or "a significant share". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a fair portion" or "a good portion"?

Both "a fair portion" and "a good portion" are acceptable. "A fair portion" implies a sense of justice or equity, while "a good portion" simply indicates a reasonable amount. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What does "a fair portion" mean?

"A fair portion" means a reasonable or adequate amount of something, often implying that it's justly or equitably distributed. It suggests that everyone involved receives "a reasonable share".