both portions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both portions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two distinct parts or segments of something, emphasizing that both are being considered or included. Example: "The recipe requires both portions of the ingredients to be mixed thoroughly for the best results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

In a third class of additions, both portions of the attacking reagent combine simultaneously with the substrate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Researching methods were similar for both portions: A small team of volunteers pored over old documents, received help from local historical societies and walked until their feet hurt.

The New York Times

The payroll tax includes a 12.4percenttaxax used to pay for Social Security and a 2.9percenttaxax used to pay for Medicare, with both portions split evenly between employer and employee.

The New York Times

The soils of both portions of Malaysia have been exposed for a long period of time to intense tropical weathering, with the result that most of their plant nutrients have been leached out.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Organisms produce colour physically, by submicroscopic structures that fractionate incident light into its component colours (schemochromes); or chemically, by natural pigments (biochromes) that reflect or transmit (or both) portions of the solar spectrum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These plates must be prepared by assembling, in the negative form, the halftone and the line portions of the illustration and then, after transferring them onto the metal, etching them in two operations, so as to attain the best results for both portions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

A versatile Lounge menu lists dishes from the hotel's kitchen that are generous in both portion and flavor.

The New York Times

Both portion size and energy density (ED) have substantial effects on intake; however, their combined effects on preschool children's intake have not been examined when multiple foods are varied at a meal.

Physiology & Behavior

One study incorporated separate manipulations of both portion size and tableware size (Fisher 2013), and two studies incorporated separate manipulations of both portion size and package size (Marchiori 2012a; Raynor 2007).

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

The variables year, animal class, season and annual audit rating were found to be significantly associated with condemnation rates in both portion models as well as whole carcasses.

BMC Veterinary Research

As apertures increase, both the portion of the total flowrate in the aquifer and the portion of the flow in the fractures coming from the aquifer decrease.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "both portions", ensure it's clear what the two portions are referring to. Lack of clarity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "both portions" when "both" alone suffices. For instance, instead of saying "both portions are important", consider "both are important" if the portions are already clearly defined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both portions" functions as a determiner phrase specifying that two distinct parts or segments are being referred to. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "both portions" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to refer to two distinct parts of a whole. Ludwig confirms this and provides various examples across different contexts. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related content. For alternative phrasing, consider "both parts" or "both sections" depending on the context. When using "both portions", clarity is key: ensure the reader knows precisely which two portions are being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both segments

This alternative refers to distinct parts of a whole, similar to "portions", but implies a more clearly defined separation.

both sections

Similar to "portions", this emphasizes division but often implies a more formal or structured separation.

both components

This term highlights the constituent elements of a system or object, with a focus on their role in the whole.

both halves

This refers specifically to two equal parts of something.

both divisions

Emphasizes a separation into distinct groups or categories.

both components

This term highlights the constituent elements of a system or object, with a focus on their role in the whole.

both elements

Suggests individual parts that make up something complete, often used in abstract contexts.

both constituents

Similar to 'components', emphasizing the makeup of something.

both fragments

Suggests broken or incomplete parts of something larger.

both pieces

A more general term for parts, often used in informal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "both portions" in a sentence?

You can use "both portions" to refer to two distinct parts of something. For example, "The experiment analyzed "both portions" of the sample separately."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "both portions"?

Alternatives include "both parts", "both sections", or "both segments", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "both portions" in formal writing?

Yes, "both portions" is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize that two specific parts are being considered.

What is the difference between "both parts" and "both portions"?

While "both parts" and "both portions" are often interchangeable, "portions" can sometimes imply a more measured or specific division, whereas "both parts" is more general.