an overwhelming portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or dominant part of something, often in contexts discussing opinions, resources, or contributions. Example: "An overwhelming portion of the audience expressed their support for the new policy during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

If iTunes becomes a dominant radio force, it could control an overwhelming portion of the music business.

The New Yorker

It's not an overwhelming portion of this $27 billion market, though — only about $3 billion, without public schools.

The New York Times

Despite the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak, the military has retained an overwhelming portion of its historic authority.

The New York Times

When such an overwhelming portion of the economic benefits are skewed toward a tiny portion of the population — as has happened in the U.S. over the past few decades — it's impossible for the society as a whole not to suffer.

The New York Times

Former President Jimmy Carter weighed in with Brian Williams of NBC News on Tuesday: "I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man".

The New York Times

"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American," Carter said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Flavorful shrimp come in a fine, mildly spicy sauce of ground peanuts and plantains, while an almost overwhelming portion of roast suckling pig includes ribs, shoulder leg and plenty of crisp skin.

The New York Times - Arts

Most Turks strongly oppose the idea of a religiously oriented government, and the overwhelming portion of Mr. Gul's constituency voted for his party because they said it had done well running the country, not because its leaders were pious men.

The New York Times

He also wrote the screenplays for three of his shows -- "Fiddler," "Enter Laughing" and the 1949 Broadway flop "Mrs. Gibbons Boyss" -- when they were made into films and did a handful of other writing projects for television, but the overwhelming portion of his career was the stage.

The New York Times

Though all the provincial and municipal general hospitals, most of the county hospitals and community healthcare centres, and a small percentage of rural clinics were included as surveillance sites, the overwhelming portion of the rural clinics were not included.

BMJ Open

In the United States, private investors own the overwhelming portion of woodlands.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an overwhelming portion", ensure the context clearly defines the total from which the portion is drawn to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an overwhelming portion" when the part being described is actually quite small or insignificant relative to the whole. This can create a misleading impression of importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming portion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It quantifies a significant part of a whole, emphasizing its dominance or importance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming portion" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a significantly large part of a whole. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it can also appear in scientific and formal business writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the total from which the portion is drawn. Alternatives such as "a significant majority" or "the lion's share" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant majority

Emphasizes the numerical dominance of a group or part.

the greater part

Indicates the main or principal portion.

a large segment

Highlights a considerable section or division of something.

a substantial fraction

Focuses on the notable proportion represented by a part.

a dominant share

Highlights the controlling or prevailing portion.

the lion's share

Implies the largest and most desirable part.

a preponderant amount

Stresses the dominating quantity of something.

a commanding percentage

Emphasizes the high and influential rate.

the bulk of it

Focuses on the main mass or volume.

most of it

Simple and direct way to convey the idea of a large portion.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overwhelming portion" to describe a large part of something. For example, "An overwhelming portion of the budget was allocated to marketing."

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant majority", "a large segment", or "a substantial fraction" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "an overwhelming majority" or "an overwhelming portion"?

Use "an overwhelming majority" when referring to people or opinions. Use "an overwhelming portion" when referring to quantities, resources, or physical parts.

What's the difference between "an overwhelming part" and "an overwhelming portion"?

"An overwhelming part" is generally acceptable and very similar, while "an overwhelming portion" is a more formal alternative emphasizing quantity or amount.