a generous portion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a generous portion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a substantial amount of something, often in the context of food or resources. Example: "The chef served a generous portion of pasta, ensuring that everyone left the table satisfied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Yankees' sluggish offense somehow always seems to generate a generous portion of runs for Clemens in a manner that almost defies statistical convention.

The New York Times - Sports

That particular section evidently generates a generous portion of Craigslist's annual $80 million income, and Craigslist denies that it knowingly facilitates prostitution.

Huffington Post

Desserts were generally disappointing, with the exception of a generous portion of fresh doughnuts — not churros, but they amount to the same thing — with ice cream.

The New York Times - Travel

Unfairly or not, he is this weekend being served a generous portion of the blame for the appointment of Entwistle as Director General.

Independent

Serve with a generous portion of the kale colcannon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Both came with a generous portion of sugar coating.

The New York Times - Arts

Cilantro shrimp were plump and salty, happily paired with a generous portion of the same salsa.

The New York Times

Place a generous portion of rice on each plate, and top with a piece of chicken.

The New York Times - Food

Spread each tortilla with avocado butter and add a generous portion of carnitas.

The New York Times - Food

A generous portion of hot, spiced tamales – a savoury cornmeal cake – is £6.50.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Best of all, his philosophizing is often served up with a generous portion of wit.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing amounts, consider the context. Use "a generous portion of" when you want to emphasize the abundance or kindness associated with the quantity, especially in contexts related to food, resources or abstract concepts like wit or blame.

Common error

Avoid using "a generous portion of" when a neutral term like "a significant amount of" is more appropriate. "Generous" implies a positive or abundant quality, which may not always fit the situation. For example, it would sound odd to say "he received a generous portion of criticism".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous portion of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying the quantity of a noun. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears before a noun to indicate a substantial amount, particularly in contexts related to food or abstract qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a generous portion of" is a commonly used phrase to describe a substantial and often appreciated amount of something. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, often in the context of food or abstract concepts. When using this phrase, ensure that the connotation of generosity and abundance aligns with the intended meaning. While grammatically correct, be mindful of the context to avoid misapplication, as "generous" carries a positive implication. Alternatives include ""a substantial amount of"" or ""a large serving of"" for a more neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial amount of

Emphasizes the significant quantity or size of something.

a large serving of

Specifically refers to a sizable quantity of food.

a plentiful supply of

Suggests an abundant or more than sufficient quantity.

an abundant quantity of

Highlights the richness and profusion of something.

a considerable measure of

Indicates a significant extent or degree of something.

a sizable helping of

Implies a large portion, often related to food or assistance.

a liberal amount of

Suggests an unrestrained or ample quantity.

a goodly portion of

An archaic way of expressing a significant and pleasing amount.

a hefty dose of

Implies a large quantity, often referring to something unpleasant or medicinal.

a bumper crop of

Used to describe a large and successful harvest or yield.

FAQs

How can I use "a generous portion of" in a sentence?

You can use "a generous portion of" to describe a large amount of something, often in the context of food or abstract things like wit. For example, "The chef served "a generous portion of" pasta" or "His philosophizing is served up with "a generous portion of" wit".

What are some alternatives to "a generous portion of"?

Alternatives include "a substantial amount of", "a large serving of", or "a plentiful supply of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a generous portion of"?

No, the term implies abundance or kindness. It's best suited for describing positive or neutral situations. Avoid using it in negative contexts; for example, you wouldn't say someone received ""a generous portion of" blame" if you mean simply a lot of blame.

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

"A generous portion of" implies a positive connotation, suggesting an abundant and welcome quantity. "A significant amount of" is more neutral, simply indicating a large quantity without necessarily implying a positive feeling.