a moderate serving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a moderate serving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an amount of food or drink that is neither too large nor too small, suggesting a balanced portion. Example: "For a healthy diet, it's important to have a moderate serving of vegetables with each meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Two make a moderate serving, but you may need three or four for heartier appetites.

The New York Times - Food

A year ago Mrs Hutchison was the most popular politician in Texas, a moderate serving her fourth term in the Senate.

The Economist

Kuo has been spot-on before, so I'm swallowing this report with only a moderate serving of salt.

TechCrunch

He likes to bill himself as a "homegrown" candidate who grew up a few blocks from his campaign office — someone who has built a reputation as a moderate serving his district, not party interests, first. .

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Bayh, a moderate who served in the Senate from 1999 to 2011, entered the race in July, after the winner of the Democratic primary, Baron Hill, dropped out.

The New Yorker

Connie Morella, a former Republican representative from Maryland, was considered a moderate and served during the last government shutdown 17 years ago.

The New York Times

Mr. Castle, a moderate who served two terms as governor and had been reliably winning elections for the last four decades, became the latest establishment Republican casualty.

The New York Times

"After 33 years in the Congress this was not an easy decision," said Ms. Snowe, 65, a moderate who served 16 years in the House before moving to the Senate.

The New York Times

Jane Kelly, for example, a moderate judge currently serving on the eighth circuit court of appeals, was always a longshot to be nominated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others already involved in the group or mentioned as possible candidates include Christine Todd Whitman, a moderate Republican who served as governor of New Jersey, and Erskine Bowles, who served as White House chief of staff under Bill Clinton and was the president of the University of North Carolina for five years.

The New York Times

The candidate, Hassan Rouhani, is a moderate cleric who served as an Iranian nuclear negotiator during the presidency of the reformist Mohammad Khatami.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing dietary recommendations, use "a moderate serving" to encourage balanced eating habits rather than overly restrictive or indulgent portions.

Common error

Avoid using "a moderate serving" metaphorically in contexts unrelated to food or portions. While tempting, it can sound awkward. Opt for alternatives like "reasonable amount" or "balanced approach" when describing abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a moderate serving" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It describes a specific quantity or portion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a moderate serving" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a balanced quantity, as confirmed by Ludwig. Primarily appearing in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its register is neutral. To avoid misuse, stick to food-related contexts or opt for broader terms like "reasonable amount" in abstract scenarios. When offering dietary advice, "a moderate serving" is a good way to encourage balance without extremes. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its versatility in describing appropriate portions across various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable portion

Emphasizes the adequacy and justification of the amount.

an adequate amount

Focuses on the sufficiency of the quantity for a specific purpose.

a sensible quantity

Highlights the rationality and appropriateness of the amount.

a balanced portion

Implies a harmonious or proportional distribution.

a fair share

Suggests an equitable distribution among multiple recipients.

a measured dose

Conveys a precise and controlled quantity, often in a medicinal context.

an average helping

Indicates a quantity that is typical or customary.

a decent measure

Implies a satisfactory or respectable quantity.

a conservative estimate

Suggests a deliberately cautious or understated quantity.

a limited quantity

Highlights the restricted or finite nature of the amount.

FAQs

What does "a moderate serving" mean?

The phrase "a moderate serving" refers to an amount or portion that is neither too large nor too small, suggesting a balanced or reasonable quantity.

How can I use "a moderate serving" in a sentence?

You might say, "For a healthy diet, it's important to have "a moderate serving" of vegetables with each meal" or "Two chops make "a moderate serving", but you may need three or four for heartier appetites".

What can I say instead of "a moderate serving"?

You can use alternatives like "a reasonable portion", "an adequate amount", or "a balanced portion" depending on the context.

Is "a moderate serving" only used for food?

While commonly used in the context of food portions, "a moderate serving" can be used metaphorically to describe a balanced or reasonable amount of anything, though it's best to avoid it in abstract contexts and use "reasonable amount" instead.