a little portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount or a small part of something, often in contexts related to food or quantities. Example: "I would like to have a little portion of the dessert, please."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The impulse to keep a little portion of the brain free of blatant bias and open to inconvenient facts seems to have died across the opinion classes.

The New Yorker

Some people in College Point are hoping that a little portion of a road will help them stop Home Depot from opening a new store.

The New York Times

First came a little portion of grilled swordfish (moist and with real flavor), a few mussels in their shells and a lemon brown butter sauce.

The New York Times

Hence, just a little portion of the mobile device operational system is tested.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Likewise, MICP measurements were taken on a chip of rock sample, which assessed a little portion of the rock, while NMR measurements were taken on the whole core plug.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

In the acid solution of lower concentrations (0.1 and 0 M HClO4), MnO2 appears both at the interface and the bulk solution, which caused a little portion of or no hollow spheres to obtain.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"You write domestic realism and you've trapped yourself into a tiny little portion of a much larger reality.

The Guardian - Books

Its passage in the dark or dim-lit stall was as if time were being carried by a procession of ants, a gleaming red martial column of those militaristic red Southern ants that build hideous tall boiling hills; and each vile gleaming ant wanted a minuscule little portion of Poor Tony's flesh in compensation as it helped bear time forward down the corridor of true Withdrawal.

The New Yorker

In other words, it puts aside a cozy little portion of the CPU memory and makes it pretend that it's a different hard drive, upon which the new OS is running.

WikiHow

By Berton Roueché The New Yorker, March 9 , 1946P. 56 REPORTER AT LARGE about a visit to Little Portion, the monastery of the Order of the Poor Brethren of St. Francis.

The New Yorker

In the village of Mount Sinai, on Long Island, leaders of Little Portion, a Franciscan friary that is home to seven brothers, have been talking to the Nature Conservancy about how to preserve their 70-acre spiritual retreat near Long Island Sound while capitalizing on the value of the property so the friary can remain solvent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing quantities, consider the context. Use "a little portion" when you want to emphasize that something is intentionally small or limited, such as in dietary recommendations or scientific measurements.

Common error

While "a little portion" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, vary your language with synonyms like "a small quantity" or "a fraction" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little portion" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifying an unstated noun, indicating a small quantity or serving. It is used to denote a reduced amount of something, as Ludwig's examples show.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little portion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a small quantity or serving of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests synonyms such as "a small quantity" or "a tiny amount" for variety. It is suitable for neutral contexts, including news, science, and general writing, though caution is advised against overuse in excessively formal settings. Remember to tailor your choice of words to the specific situation to enhance clarity and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity

Replaces 'portion' with 'quantity', emphasizing the amount.

a tiny amount

Substitutes 'little portion' with 'tiny amount', highlighting the small size.

a slight part

Replaces 'portion' with 'part', conveying a fraction of something.

a small segment

Replaces 'portion' with 'segment', often used for divisions or sections.

a fraction

A more concise way to express a small part of a whole.

a bit

A simpler, more informal way to indicate a small amount.

a touch

Implies a very small amount, often used in cooking or adding something subtle.

a smidgen

An informal term for a very small amount.

a dash

Suggests a quick, small addition, often used for liquids or seasonings.

a sliver

Implies a thin, small piece.

FAQs

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

"A little portion" refers to a small amount or segment of something. For example, "I only ate "a little portion" of the cake to save room for dinner."

What are some alternatives to "a little portion"?

Alternatives include "a small amount", "a tiny piece", or "a small quantity depending on the context".

Is it more correct to say "a little portion" or "a small portion"?

Both "a little portion" and "a small portion" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a little portion" instead of "some"?

"A little portion" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the small size or limited nature of the amount. "Some" is more general. For example, "I took "a little portion" of the sample to ensure I didn't contaminate the rest", versus "I took some of the sample".