a modest portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or moderate amount of something, often in the context of food or resources. Example: "At the dinner party, I served each guest a modest portion of the main dish to ensure everyone could enjoy a taste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

At $46 (including service), a modest portion of veal tenderloin was well over $6 a bite.

The New York Times - Food

And I'm afraid it is impossible to be satisfied with a modest portion.

The New York Times - Food

The base salary, though, is a modest portion of a manager's compensation, compared with performance bonuses and stock.

The New York Times

They should constitute only a modest portion of a company's overall research program in any given field.

Harvard Business Review

And some companies, even those that get a modest portion of their business from fliers, managed to beat the odds entirely.

The New York Times - Travel

In the face of such extravagance, diverting a modest portion of the prosperity we produce in common toward services that benefit everyone shouldn't be controversial.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Charles Gant, a box office expert, said: "First of all, because the film was mainly going out simultaneously on video on demand in the US, the theatrical release was a very modest portion of the pie, whereas in the UK they've taken a totally different strategy and I don't know the reasoning behind that.

The Guardian - Film

The basic problem is that colleges actually impart directly employable skills for only a very modest portion of the college population (such as engineering and accounting majors) and that employers hiring high paid workers feel they need someone with more than a degree from the College of Last Resort.

Forbes

This finding conflicts with other studies on ITQ programmes where initial sellers of ITQs are expected to capitalize only a fairly modest portion of discounted future net returns from the sale of initial shares (Muse and Schelle 1989; Geen and Nayer 1989).

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

One can cut down the amount of pizza eaten but it would be better to try a veggie burger or modest portion of pasta with a decent side salad instead.

WikiHow

Results suggest that SES and CHAOS mediate an independent and significant, but modest, portion of the shared environment for VERBAL and PARCA at Ages 3 and 4.

Intelligence

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing dietary recommendations, use "a modest portion" to encourage mindful eating habits without implying deprivation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid overuse of "a modest portion" in highly formal contexts. Opt for more precise or sophisticated vocabulary depending on the tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest portion" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to describe a specific quantity or share, indicating that it is neither excessive nor insignificant. This function is evident in examples like "a modest portion of veal tenderloin" or "a modest portion of their business".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest portion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing a moderate quantity or amount. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It's commonly found in News & Media contexts and, to a lesser extent, in Science and Business settings. The phrase serves to convey moderation and restraint, as opposed to excess or deficiency. When writing, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of a reasonable, controlled amount. Alternatives like "a small quantity" or "a reasonable serving" can be used for variety, but "a modest portion" provides a specific nuance of measured appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moderate amount

Highlights the balanced and not excessive nature of the quantity.

a small quantity

Emphasizes the limited amount more directly.

a reasonable serving

More specific to food contexts, suggesting an appropriate amount.

a limited share

Focuses on the idea of receiving a small part of a whole.

a reduced quantity

Highlights that the quantity has been brought down from a previous level.

a small measure

Implies a carefully controlled or calculated amount.

a controlled portion

Highlights intention in restricting the amount of something.

a fair share

Highlights the justice in providing the portion.

a slight helping

Specifically used in the context of food, and it's considered more colloquial.

a conservative allocation

Used in contexts where resources are being distributed, emphasizing caution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest portion" to describe a small or moderate amount of something. For example, "He ate "a modest portion" of the cake to avoid overindulging."

What are some alternatives to "a modest portion"?

Alternatives include "a small quantity", "a reasonable serving", or "a moderate amount", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a modest portion" or "a small portion"?

"A modest portion" and "a small portion" are similar, but "a modest portion" suggests more of a sense of appropriateness or restraint, while "a small portion" simply indicates size.

In what context is "a modest portion" most appropriately used?

"A modest portion" is often used in the context of food or resources to describe an amount that is sufficient but not excessive. For example, "The budget allocated "a modest portion" to the marketing department."