an insignificant portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an insignificant portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or trivial part of something, often in contexts where the size or importance of that part is being downplayed. Example: "The report indicated that an insignificant portion of the budget was allocated to marketing efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Only an insignificant portion of the country's workforce does not belong to a trade union.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bioplastics currently make up an insignificant portion of total world production of plastics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor was the Soviets' war in Afghanistan the death knell, though it was a burden: "Indeed, though the enormous financial burden of maintaining an empire was to become a major issue," Mr. Aron wrote, "the cost of the Afghan war itself was hardly crushing: Estimated at $4 billion to $5 billion in 1985, it was an insignificant portion of the Soviet GDP".

The New York Times

Although Carroll accurately portrays the biological walrus's appetite for bivalve mollusks, oysters, primarily nearshore and intertidal inhabitants, in fact comprise an insignificant portion of its diet, even in captivity.

Wikipedia

Furthermore, the absolute amount of arginine excreted was an insignificant portion of the amount of arginine that the animals consumed.

BMC Veterinary Research

Therefore, microsatellites represent an insignificant portion of the melon mitochondrial genome and cannot explain its large size.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Vinik, also the owner of the local hockey team and a former manager of Fidelity Investments Magellan Fundd, is looking to commit a not insignificant portion of his wealth to the next Dreamit fund and establish another, later-stage fund, to invest in tech companies around the region.

TechCrunch

A not insignificant portion of them would probably not have been accepted without their athletic credentials.

The New York Times - Sports

A not insignificant portion of the visitors who post pictures from the room appear to have dressed to match it.

The New Yorker

This is sapping a not insignificant portion of the resources that could and should otherwise be devoted to the provision of actual health care services.

The New York Times

But a not insignificant portion of the show was just the band's core four, harmonizing intensely and playing their instruments with ferocity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an insignificant portion" when you want to downplay the importance or size of a part relative to the whole. For greater impact, consider quantifying the portion with a percentage or ratio when data is available.

Common error

Avoid using "an insignificant portion" when the portion is, in fact, substantial or relevant. Doing so can undermine your credibility and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an insignificant portion" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the size or importance of a particular part in relation to a whole. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an insignificant portion" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as validated by Ludwig AI. It describes a small and unimportant part of something, serving to downplay its significance. While most commonly found in science, news, and encyclopedic sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Related phrases include "a negligible fraction" and "a trivial amount". Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the portion truly is insignificant to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a negligible fraction

Replaces "portion" with "fraction", implying a very small part of a whole; "negligible" maintains the sense of unimportance.

a trivial amount

Substitutes "insignificant portion" with "trivial amount", emphasizing the small quantity and lack of importance.

a tiny fraction

Replaces "insignificant" with "tiny", emphasizing the small size of the portion.

a practically nonexistent part

Emphasizes the extremely small size and near absence of the portion.

an inconsequential segment

Replaces "insignificant" with "inconsequential", highlighting the lack of impact or importance of the segment.

a minor segment

Uses "minor segment" instead of "insignificant portion", suggesting a small part of a larger entity without necessarily highlighting insignificance.

a small percentage

Quantifies the portion as a percentage, emphasizing its small size relative to the whole.

a minimal share

Replaces "portion" with "share", implying division or distribution, while "minimal" denotes the small size.

a slim margin

Focuses on the narrowness or thinness of the portion, rather than its overall importance.

a derisory quantity

Implies that the quantity is so small as to be ridiculous or laughable.

FAQs

How can I use "an insignificant portion" in a sentence?

You can use "an insignificant portion" to describe a small part of something that is not important or impactful. For example, "An insignificant portion of the budget was allocated to marketing."

What are some alternatives to "an insignificant portion"?

Some alternatives include "a negligible fraction", "a trivial amount", or "a minor segment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "an insignificant portion"?

No, be mindful of the context. Ensure that the portion you are describing truly is insignificant. Misusing the phrase can be misleading or dismissive if the portion actually holds some importance.

What is the difference between "an insignificant portion" and "a significant portion"?

"An insignificant portion" denotes a small, unimportant part, while "a significant portion" implies a large, important part. They are antonyms and should be used to convey opposite meanings.