an equal portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an equal portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to dividing something into parts that are the same size or amount. Example: "The cake was divided into an equal portion for each guest at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Top each with an equal portion of tomatoes.

The New York Times

Toss gently, and place an equal portion in the center of each of four serving plates.

The New York Times - Food

Spoon an equal portion of the spinach and mushroom mixture onto the center of each fillet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Spoon an equal portion of the pureed mixture into the center of each breast half.

The New York Times - Magazine

3. * Sprinkle each piece with an equal portion of the cheese.

The New York Times

Sprinkle each portion with an equal portion of the chopped egg and serve.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Students maintained that the most important difficulty with living with the elderly is intergenerational conflict (30.3%), while an almost equal portion of the students (30.6%) expressed that there are no difficulties at all from living with the elderly.

Clinical interventions in aging

A roughly equal portion predicted that their own revenue would increase in 2003, compared with just half in the survey a year ago.

The New York Times

He added that signals at some intersections at certain times -- for instance, major cross streets like 42nd Street at midday -- are set up to provide a more equal portion of green light time to vehicles traveling east and west to avoid crosstown traffic jams.

The New York Times

About 60percentt of respondents who identify as independents disagree with the recommendation to clear Clinton, and a nearly equal portion express worry about the outcome and what it says about her decision-making if she becomes president.

HuffPost

About 60percentt of respondents who identify as independents disagree with the recommendation to clear Clinton, and a nearly equal portion express worry about the outcome and what it says about her decision-making if she becomes president.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an equal portion", ensure the context clearly defines what is being divided and the basis for equality. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended distribution.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "an equal portion" always means an identical amount by weight or volume. Consider if it could refer to value, importance, or some other metric relevant to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an equal portion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase commonly describes how something is divided or distributed fairly among multiple recipients. It emphasizes the equivalence in size, amount, or value of the divided parts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an equal portion" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a fair and balanced distribution of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical function allows it to serve as the object of verbs or prepositions. Predominantly, it ensures fairness or uniformity, suitable for various registers ranging from neutral news reports to formal academic papers. While commonly found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, remember to consider other metrics besides size or volume when interpreting the "equality" being conveyed. Use "an equal portion" with care to ensure clarity and avoid unintended ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an equivalent amount

Emphasizes the sameness in quantity or measure, suitable for contexts requiring precision.

a fair share

Indicates a distribution that is just and equitable, focusing on fairness rather than exact equality.

an identical segment

Emphasizes the exact sameness of the divided pieces, both in size and characteristics.

an even split

Implies dividing something exactly in half or into equal groups.

a matching quantity

Focuses on the similarity in the count or measurement of items being compared.

a proportionate part

Highlights that the amount is in relation to a whole, often used when the total is divided based on some ratio.

a balanced allocation

Suggests a careful distribution to maintain equilibrium or harmony among different components.

a corresponding division

Highlights that the distribution matches or aligns with some other factor or plan.

a commensurate measure

Suggests the quantity is appropriate or proportional to a particular need or standard.

a like fraction

Indicates the distributed amount represents a fraction of equal value to others

FAQs

How do I use "an equal portion" in a sentence?

Use "an equal portion" to describe dividing something into parts that are the same size or amount. For example, "The inheritance was divided into "a fair share" for each heir".

What can I say instead of "an equal portion"?

You can use alternatives like ""a fair share"", "an equivalent amount", or "a proportionate part" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to divide something into "an equal portion"?

No, the need for equal portions depends on the situation. Sometimes, a distribution might be proportionate or based on individual needs, rather than strictly equal. Consider whether a proportionate part would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "an equal portion" and "a proportionate part"?

"An equal portion" implies that each part is exactly the same size or amount. "A proportionate part" suggests that the size of each part is relative to some other factor or ratio.