a good portion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good portion of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a significant amount or large part of something. For example, "A good portion of the population was in favor of the new proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A good portion of the work falls under this rubric.

The New York Times - Arts

"A good portion of our guests are walk-in business".

The New York Times

Vermes insisted: "Dom spent a good portion of the year in Orlando.

The Guardian - Sport

They're in a good portion of Baghdad, but not all of Baghdad.

The New York Times

I want to make sure a good portion of that housing is affordable".

The New York Times

A good portion of them are trying, as they say, to put lipstick on the pig.

The Guardian - Opinion

She got $25 for "Body by Jake" and reclaimed a good portion of her basement.

The New York Times

A. We saw the timing was good to liquidate a good portion of our portfolio.

The New York Times

Yet if "Stairway to Heaven" is plagiarized, so is a good portion of the classical canon.

The New Yorker

Over the years, Black sold a good portion of his stake, but never at a premium.

The New Yorker

That isn't at all a bad thing, as a good portion of "Offend Maggie" illustrates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good portion of" when you want to convey that something represents a noteworthy or substantial part of a larger whole, without needing to specify an exact quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "a good portion of" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "a considerable amount of" or "a significant part of" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good portion of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a significant, but not necessarily precisely defined, quantity or share. It suggests that the amount is noteworthy and substantial. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good portion of" is a versatile and widely used phrase for indicating a significant quantity or share. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various writing contexts, particularly news and media. When writing, remember that while it is acceptable for formal and informal environments, varying language and choosing alternatives based on context helps prevent repetition and improve the overall impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable amount of

Emphasizes the size or importance of the quantity.

a significant part of

Highlights the importance or impact of the portion.

a substantial fraction of

Similar in meaning, perhaps slightly more formal.

a sizable chunk of

More informal, suggesting a large, solid piece.

a large segment of

Focuses on the portion as a distinct section or group.

a healthy share of

Suggests the portion is desirable or beneficial.

a fair amount of

Implies a reasonable or just quantity.

a decent quantity of

Emphasizes that the quantity is acceptable or adequate.

a notable percentage of

More formal, suitable for statistical or technical contexts.

a major proportion of

Highlights the portion's size relative to the whole.

FAQs

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

Use "a good portion of" to indicate a significant quantity or share. For example, "A good portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the new marketing strategy."

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

Alternatives include "a significant part of", "a considerable amount of", or "a substantial fraction of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a good portion of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a good portion of" is generally acceptable in formal writing, although more precise language might be preferred in some contexts. Phrases like "a notable percentage of" or "a significant proportion of" might be more suitable when specific data is available.

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

While both phrases indicate a sizable amount, "a good portion of" can sometimes imply that the amount is not only large but also beneficial or desirable. "A large portion of" simply emphasizes the quantity.