a smaller portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smaller portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a part of something that is less in size or quantity compared to another part. Example: "In the survey results, a smaller portion of respondents preferred option A over option B."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of those graduates, a smaller portion pursue military careers beyond the mandatory 5 years of service.

Science Magazine

A smaller portion (Ruanda-Urundi) was entrusted to Belgium.

Britannica

But I would have settled for a smaller portion.

The Economist

A smaller portion of those employees elected to resign," the statement said.

The Guardian

All items are also available in a smaller portion to avoid any leftovers.

The Guardian - Travel

A smaller portion of people have Addison's disease, where the adrenal glands are attacked by antibodies.

The Washington Post

Research also makes up a smaller portion of America's economy than some other countries'.

The Economist

Conversely, the bump-up offsets a smaller portion of the cut when benefits are higher.

The New York Times

Anil got a smaller portion, including ventures in telecoms, financial services and power.

The Economist

"We think the infiltrators are a smaller portion of it," he said.

The New York Times

Homes that used the service regularly sent a smaller portion of residents to the hospital than those that didn't.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a smaller portion" when you want to specifically indicate that something is a reduced part of a larger whole, emphasizing the relative size.

Common error

While similar, avoid using "a smaller part" interchangeably if you need to emphasize the proportional or fractional nature of the reduction. "Portion" often implies a deliberate or measured amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smaller portion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a quantity or amount that is less than another, indicating a relative size or share. The examples in the search results demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

23%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smaller portion" is a versatile phrase used to describe a reduced quantity or share, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to quantify and compare amounts across various contexts. Occurring frequently in news and media, scientific publications, and academic writing, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When considering alternative phrasings, select those that best emphasize the intended degree of reduction or specific aspect of the quantity being described. Use "a smaller portion" to specifically indicate a reduced part of a larger whole, emphasizing the relative size and keeping in mind that "portion" often implies a deliberate amount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lesser amount

Emphasizes the reduced quantity rather than the part.

a reduced quantity

Highlights the decrease in amount, suitable for measurable items.

a slighter part

Indicates a minimal or insignificant piece.

a diminutive fraction

Suggests an extremely small segment or share.

a trimmed percentage

Relevant when referring to statistical data and proportions.

a pared-down segment

Implies deliberate reduction or simplification.

a curtailed piece

Focuses on the action of reducing or cutting short.

a limited share

Highlights the restricted availability or allocation.

a narrow slice

Evokes a visual image of a thin or slender portion.

a modest bit

Suggests a small and humble quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a smaller portion" to describe a reduced amount of something, for example: "I decided to eat "a smaller portion" of dessert to reduce my calorie intake."

What are some alternatives to saying "a smaller portion"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a lesser amount", "a reduced quantity", or "a slight part" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a smallest portion" instead of "a smaller portion"?

No, "a smallest portion" isn't typically used. The correct phrasing to indicate the absolute minimum would be "the smallest portion". "A smaller portion" implies a comparison to another portion.

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

"A smaller portion" often implies a measured or allocated amount, especially of food or resources. "A smaller part" is a more general term and can refer to any component that is less in size or significance.