a small portion of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small portion of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you mean a limited quantity of something, often compared with a larger amount. For example: "I ate a small portion of cake for dessert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A small portion of mushroom risotto.

The New York Times

Above is but a small portion of the crowd.

The New York Times

The recount erased a small portion of that advantage.

The New York Times

She owns a small portion of Modern Farmer.

The New Yorker

Only a small portion of the building was accessible.

The Guardian

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

The New Yorker

Indeed, only a small portion of the advertisements were broadcast.

The New York Times

"And test a small portion of the surface first".

The New York Times

This may be only a small portion of the problem.

The New York Times

Aquaculture accounts for a small portion of fish production.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Williamson objected to a small portion of the expenses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small portion of", be specific about what the 'whole' is that you are referencing. This provides context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a small portion of" when referring to something that is already inherently small. For instance, saying "a small portion of dust" is redundant; consider simply stating "a speck of dust".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small portion of" functions primarily as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited quantity or fraction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, serving to specify the extent or amount of the following noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small portion of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a limited quantity or fraction of something larger. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it serves to qualify the amount being discussed, providing context about its relative size. Its usage spans across various domains, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic sources, with a neutral register making it suitable for diverse contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the 'whole' to which the 'small portion' relates to. By avoiding its use with inherently small quantities, you can ensure conciseness and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fraction of

Emphasizes the numerical relationship, suggesting the amount is a small part of a whole, often mathematically considered.

a segment of

Highlights the part-whole relationship, implying the amount is one of the pieces which forms something bigger.

a limited amount of

Focuses on the restriction in quantity, stressing that there is not much available.

a modicum of

Implies that the amount is barely adequate or acceptable, sometimes with a hint of sarcasm or understatement.

a trace of

Suggests that the amount is so small as to be almost negligible, often used for intangible things like feelings or substances.

a hint of

Similar to "a trace of", but used more often for flavors, smells, or suggestions.

a sprinkle of

Evokes the image of something scattered lightly, emphasizing the scattered or sparse nature of the amount.

a sliver of

Conveys a visual sense of a thin, narrow piece, often used for foods or land.

a smattering of

Indicates a small and uneven distribution, often used for knowledge or skills.

a handful of

Expresses that the amount is easily held in a hand, conveying both the limited size and manageability of the quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "a small portion of" to indicate that only a limited amount or percentage of something is being considered or used. For example: "A small portion of the budget was allocated to marketing."

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

Alternatives include "a fraction of", "a segment of", or "a limited amount of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a small portion of"?

While grammatically correct, using "a small portion of" can be redundant if the quantity being described is already understood to be minimal. Consider using more concise language in such cases.

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

"A small portion of" indicates a limited quantity, while "a large portion of" indicates a significant amount. The choice between the two depends on the actual quantity and its relevance to the whole.