a slim portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slim portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or limited amount of something, often in contexts related to food, resources, or data. Example: "The restaurant served a slim portion of pasta, leaving me still hungry after the meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In 1968, I saw a slim portion of this manuscript in the library of the Shrine of Emam Reza in Mashhad, the great Khorasani metropolis in eastern Iran.

The New York Times - Arts

But what we're taught about in school, and the historical occasions still written about today, only cover a slim portion of the people and events that shaped the world we live in now.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The panino is a grown-up sandwich with slim portions and dense flavor.

The New York Times - Food

Bear in mind that young voters made up woefully slim portions of these off-year electorates (9% in NJ, 10% in VA, compared to 17% and 21% in 2008 respectively).

Huffington Post

The myth of the modern, moderate millennial is a flimsy category that covers a slim, relatively well-off portion of young people.

Vice

Best bets for a sweet finish are all intense flavors, and in regular-size portions: a slim slice of flourless chocolate torte, a lemon ice cream that derives its flavor from the addition of lemon curd to a vanilla ice-cream base, a bread pudding baked in crème brûlée and an apple crumb pie that on one visit was the best I've had in New Jersey.

The New York Times

A slim and stately debutante,.

The New Yorker

It's a slim little book.

Princeton University

"I'm a slim percent".

The New York Times - Sports

A slim worse, true.

The New York Times - Magazine

Only a slim one.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food portions, use "a slim portion" to convey a sense of restraint or dieting. This can be especially effective in restaurant reviews or health articles.

Common error

Avoid using "a slim portion" when a more precise quantifier is needed. For example, if describing financial data, consider more specific terms like "a small percentage" or "a limited budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slim portion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is often used to describe a small or limited quantity of something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slim portion" is a noun phrase used to describe a small or limited quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its occurrence is rare, it is found in diverse contexts like news media, academia, and science. Related phrases include "a small amount" and "a tiny portion". When writing, use "a slim portion" to imply restraint or reduction, especially in discussions about food or resources. However, avoid overusing it and consider more precise quantifiers when necessary. "A slim portion" offers a nuanced way to describe limited quantities across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount

Replaces "slim portion" with a more general term for quantity.

a tiny quantity

Emphasizes the smallness of the amount.

a limited quantity

Highlights the restricted availability of something.

a meager amount

Implies that the amount is insufficient.

a scant amount

Suggests that the amount is barely enough.

a small serving

Focuses on food portions.

a fractional part

Describes a small part of a whole.

a nominal quantity

Indicates that the amount is so small it's almost insignificant.

a trace amount

Refers to a very small, almost undetectable quantity.

a modicum

Implies a small but perhaps adequate amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slim portion" to describe a small or limited quantity of something, such as "The restaurant served "a slim portion" of dessert."

What are some alternatives to using "a slim portion"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "a slim portion" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slim portion" can be used in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise term might be more suitable depending on the specific context. For example "a modicum" is a more formal phrase.

What is the difference between "a slim portion" and "a small portion"?

"A slim portion" often implies a deliberate reduction or restriction, whereas "a small portion" simply indicates a quantity that is not large. "A small portion" is a more neutral term.