certain portions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain portions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific parts or segments of a whole, often in contexts like reports, studies, or discussions. Example: "The report highlights certain portions of the data that require further analysis to understand the trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This was a procedure whereby you could have certain portions of your memory excised.

The Guardian - Books

The opaque areas completely remove certain portions of the spatial frequency spectrum of the object.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But, she said: "You do need to learn the calories that are in certain portions of food.

The New York Times

The fear that certain portions of the human mind would be replaced or displaced is very misguided.

The New York Times

The Viceroy Santa Monica sets up a hospitality suite for guests if a large event prevents them from using certain portions of the hotel.

The New York Times - Travel

Last spring, legislators balked when Mr. Klein made a similar plea for greater freedom on how to spend certain portions of state aid.

The New York Times

Certain portions of the route are maximized, more or less, but the upper end, near the current terminus at Ninety-sixth Street, is still in flux.

The New Yorker

Barbiturates act by depressing the central nervous system, particularly on certain portions of the brain, though they tend to depress the functioning of all the body's tissues.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when the conservators started to study these layers with X-rays and ultraviolet lights, certain portions of the canvas didn't resemble Pollock's style of painting at all.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And every year bureaucratic delays prevent a certain portion of those visas from being claimed.

The New York Times

"A certain portion of your leg has to be exposed, to lengthen the look," she explained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain portions", ensure the context clearly indicates the whole to which these portions belong, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "certain portions" when you can be more specific. If the portions are known, using a more precise term enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain portions" functions as a determiner phrase acting as a pre-modifier to a noun, specifying that only some parts of a whole are being considered. The Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns like "memory", "food", and "route."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain portions" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote specific parts of a whole. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears across diverse contexts like news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure the context makes it clear to what the "certain portions" belong. Consider alternatives like "specific sections" or "particular segments" for enhanced precision. Using "certain portions" effectively involves balancing generality and clarity, selecting more specific terms when the parts can be individually identified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some portions

A simpler alternative with essentially the same meaning.

specific sections

Focuses on identifiable divisions within a larger entity.

particular segments

Emphasizes distinct and identifiable parts of something.

specific fragments

Highlights smaller, often detached, parts.

selected excerpts

Refers to chosen parts, often from written material.

definite segments

Implies clear and well-defined parts.

discrete sections

Highlights the separate and individual nature of the parts.

designated fragments

Emphasizes that the parts were chosen or assigned.

some segments

A more general way to refer to parts, without being specific.

a number of sections

Indicates multiple sections, but not all.

FAQs

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

Use "certain portions" to refer to specific, but not necessarily named, parts of a whole. For example, "Certain portions of the report require further analysis."

What are some alternatives to "certain portions"?

You can use alternatives like "specific sections", "particular segments", or "designated fragments" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "certain portions" or "specific parts"?

Both "certain portions" and "specific parts" are acceptable, but "specific parts" may be clearer when you want to emphasize the distinctness of those parts. "Certain portions" is suitable when the parts are not necessarily individually identified.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "certain portions"?

Avoid using "certain portions" if you can be more precise about which parts you are referring to. Overusing vague language can reduce clarity. In such cases, providing a specific list is preferable.