a small portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small portion" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a physical amount of something, like a piece of food, or a figurative amount like a part of knowledge or information. Example: I only have a small portion of the information that I need to make an informed decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(A small portion did).

The New York Times - Arts

A small portion of mushroom risotto.

The New York Times

How small is a "small" portion?

The New York Times

Instead, I order a small portion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

3. Start with a small portion.

Harvard University

Sometimes, big dishes can be ordered in a small portion.

The New York Times - Food

Above is but a small portion of the crowd.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, a small portion get a bad reputation".

The New York Times

A small portion is within the Town of Southold.

The New York Times

Only a small portion of the building was accessible.

The Guardian

That is only a small portion of "Celtic Tiger," however.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, "a small portion" can effectively describe the limited scope of a study or the preliminary nature of findings.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a small portion" implies unimportance. Even a small part can be crucial in certain contexts. Provide context to clarify its relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small portion" functions primarily as a determiner phrase. It modifies a noun, specifying a limited quantity or amount. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Examples show it describing physical quantities like food and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small portion" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a limited quantity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and science. When writing, remember that while "small" implies less, it doesn't necessarily mean insignificant. Be clear about the relevance of the quantity being described. Consider replacing it with alternatives like "a limited amount" or "a tiny fraction" for subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited amount

Focuses on the restricted quantity, emphasizing the constraint.

a tiny fraction

Highlights the minute scale of the portion, implying it's nearly negligible.

a modicum

Implies a very small or moderate amount, often of something abstract like effort or help.

a bit

A more informal way of saying "a small amount".

a trace

Suggests an extremely small and often barely perceptible quantity.

a sliver

Implies a thin, narrow piece or portion, suggesting minimal size.

a fragment

Suggests an incomplete piece, broken off from something larger.

a smattering

Suggests a sparse or scattered quantity, rather than a cohesive portion.

a handful

Suggests the quantity is small enough to be held in one hand.

a drop

Indicates an extremely small liquid portion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small portion" to refer to a limited quantity of something, for example, "I only ate "a small portion" of the cake."

What's the difference between "a small portion" and "a small part"?

"A small portion" typically refers to something divisible, like food or land, while "a small part" can refer to a component of a larger whole, abstract or physical.

What can I say instead of "a small portion"?

You can use alternatives like "a limited amount", "a tiny fraction", or "a modicum" depending on the specific context.

Is it always better to eat "a small portion"?

While often recommended for health reasons, whether eating "a small portion" is always better depends on individual dietary needs and the specific food. Balance and moderation are key.