a modest portion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest portion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or moderate amount of something, often in a context where the quantity is being discussed or compared. Example: "The chef recommended a modest portion of the pasta dish to start the meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

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

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

The money collected mostly gets dispersed to the states for road and bridge work, and a modest portion of it goes toward mass transit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It's certainly the least volatile of these options, and the one which, held as a modest portion (5% to 10%) of a diversified portfolio, makes sense for growth-oriented investors.

Forbes

A second issue in the literature is that depression, whether conceptualized as a syndromal entity or symptom continuum, has at best explained only a modest portion (<5%) of variance in diabetes outcomes (3).

Diabetes Care

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest portion of", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'whole' is from which the portion is taken. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest portion of" when the amount is actually insignificant or negligible. Using more accurate descriptors like "a tiny fraction" or "a sliver" can prevent misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest portion of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying the quantity of a noun. According to Ludwig, this expression is considered correct and suitable for use in written English. It indicates that only a small or reasonable amount of something is being considered or allocated.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest portion of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a limited quantity or amount. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the 'whole' from which the portion is taken. For alternatives, consider "a small fraction of" or "a limited amount of" to convey the intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fraction of

Emphasizes the idea that the amount is a tiny part of a larger whole.

a limited amount of

Highlights that the quantity available is restricted or not abundant.

a reasonable quantity of

Suggests that the amount is appropriate and not excessive.

a fair share of

Indicates an equitable or justified amount, often in the context of distribution.

a measured quantity of

Implies that the amount has been carefully determined or controlled.

a slight percentage of

Specifically quantifies the amount as a small proportion out of 100.

a reduced volume of

Focuses on the smaller size or capacity of the amount.

a conservative estimate of

Highlights that the amount is likely on the lower end of what is possible.

a judicious quantity of

Suggests that the amount is chosen wisely or with good judgment.

a restrained allocation of

Implies that the amount has been intentionally limited or controlled in its distribution.

FAQs

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

Use "a modest portion of" to indicate a small or moderate amount of something. For example, "He dedicated "a modest portion of" his income to charity".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a small amount of", "a limited quantity of", or "a small fraction of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a modest portion of" or "a small portion of"?

Both "a modest portion of" and "a small portion of" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Modest" can imply a sense of appropriateness or restraint, while "small" is more neutral in tone.

Can "a modest portion of" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "a modest portion of" can be used with abstract concepts as well as physical quantities. For example, "She devoted "a modest portion of" her time to volunteering".