a section of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a section of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific part or segment of a larger whole, such as a document, book, or physical object. Example: "In the report, a section of the analysis focuses on the economic impact of the policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a section of it.

The New York Times

A section of the Catskill Aqueduct, 1910.

The New Yorker

A section of it collapsed and burned.

The New York Times

Not for a section of the community".

The Guardian

You see a section of it here.

Yale University

A section of Working Women United.

Cornell University

The user group site, Tug, has a section of promotions.

The New York Times - Travel

Before you cut, lightly scratch a section of bark.

The New York Times

Not for a section of the community," she said.

The Guardian

Here is a section of the article from Absolute Return.

The New York Times

There's a section of their opinion devoted to that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a section of" when you want to refer to a specific, identifiable part of something larger, like "a section of the book" or "a section of the city".

Common error

Avoid using "a section of" when referring to intangible concepts like emotions or abstract ideas. It's more appropriate for physical objects or clearly defined parts. Instead of "a section of happiness", consider "a moment of happiness" or "a feeling of happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a section of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a specific part or portion of that noun. It introduces the idea of something being divided or segmented. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a section of" serves to denote a specific portion of a larger entity, as evidenced by the variety of examples provided by Ludwig. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a broad range of contexts. Its neutral register and common usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian reinforce its versatility. While alternatives like "a part of" and "a portion of" exist, understanding the specific context ensures the most appropriate choice. Remember to avoid using "a section of" for intangible concepts; instead, reserve it for tangible items or well-defined areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a portion of

Indicates a part of something, similar to "a section of", but can imply a measured or allocated amount.

a segment of

Implies a distinct and defined piece of something, closely related to "a section of" but with a sense of being clearly delineated.

a part of

A more general term for a piece or element of something, slightly broader in scope than "a section of".

a piece of

A basic term for a fragment or portion, less formal than "a section of" and more versatile.

a slice of

Suggests a part that has been cut or separated, providing a more vivid image than "a section of".

a division of

Refers to a part created by dividing something, suitable when the whole has been formally separated into parts.

a fragment of

Implies a broken or incomplete part, adding a sense of something being detached or incomplete compared to "a section of".

a component of

Highlights the role of the part as an essential element within a larger system or structure.

an element of

Focuses on a basic or essential part, often used when discussing abstract or conceptual wholes.

a share of

Indicates a portion allocated or belonging to someone or something, appropriate in contexts of distribution or ownership.

FAQs

How can I use "a section of" in a sentence?

Use "a section of" to refer to a specific portion or part of something larger. For example, "a section of the book" details the main character's early life or "a section of the road" was closed due to construction.

What are some alternatives to "a section of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a part of", "a portion of", or "a segment of". Each offers a slightly different nuance but conveys the general idea of a piece or portion.

Is it correct to say "a section of people"?

Yes, it's correct to say "a section of people" when referring to a specific group or segment within a larger population. For example, "a section of the community" supports the new initiative.

What is the difference between "a section of" and "a piece of"?

"A section of" typically refers to a distinct part or segment of something organized or structured, like "a section of the report". "A piece of" is more general and can refer to any fragment or portion, whether organized or not, such as "a piece of cake".