a substantial portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant amount or part of something, often in contexts involving analysis, reports, or discussions about quantities. Example: "A substantial portion of the budget will be allocated to research and development this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just said a substantial portion".

The New Yorker

A substantial portion will be retained as farmland.

The Guardian

This utilizes a substantial portion of the network bandwidth.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

A substantial portion of service workers are employed in retailing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, a substantial portion of the costs of operating a nuclear plant are imposed on communities.

The New York Times

We are dependent on government-controlled companies for a substantial portion of our needs..

The Guardian - Business

"That makes it less appropriate for a substantial portion of your financial nest egg.

The New York Times

In February 1986, Iran captured a substantial portion of the Fao Peninsula.

The Guardian - Opinion

A substantial portion of the complaint attacks the assertions Stanford made to his clients.

The New Yorker

Boards should require their executives to hold "a substantial portion" of their stock, Mr. Paulson said.

The New York Times

The textiles and interiors unit is a substantial portion of DuPont Canada's business and operations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial portion" to describe significant parts or amounts when precision is less critical than conveying general magnitude. It's suitable for contexts where a precise number isn't available or necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial portion" repeatedly in close proximity within formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms like "a significant part" or "a considerable amount" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial portion" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a significant quantity or part of something. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It effectively quantifies a notable segment without requiring precise numerical data, as demonstrated in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial portion" is a versatile phrase used to denote a significant quantity or part of something, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains. While its meaning is clear and consistent, varying your language with alternatives like "a significant part" or "a considerable amount" can improve writing quality. Remember that "substantial" highlights the amount, while "significant" emphasizes importance. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing to convey meaningful proportions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant part

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the part being referred to.

a considerable amount

Highlights the quantity or degree involved.

a large segment

Suggests a sizable division or section of a whole.

a sizable fraction

Implies a notable proportion relative to the total.

a major share

Indicates that the portion is dominant or influential.

a good deal

More informal, suggesting a noteworthy quantity.

a hefty chunk

Informal, emphasizing the size and weight of the portion.

a notable quantity

Focuses on the amount being worthy of attention.

a meaningful percentage

Highlights the proportional value and its relevance.

a respectable proportion

Suggests the portion is adequate and worthy of acknowledgement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial portion" to indicate a significant amount or part of something. For example, "A substantial portion of the company's revenue comes from overseas sales."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial portion"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant part", "a considerable amount", or "a large segment" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a substantial portion" or "a significant portion"?

Both "a substantial portion" and "a significant portion" are correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis; "substantial" highlights the amount, while "significant" emphasizes importance.

Can "a substantial portion" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a substantial portion" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very informal contexts, phrases like "a good deal" or "a hefty chunk" might be more suitable.