generous portion

USAGE SUMMARY

"generous portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in any context when describing a large or abundant amount of something. For example, "He served a generous portion of his famous lasagna for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Serve with a generous portion of the kale colcannon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Both came with a generous portion of sugar coating.

The New York Times - Arts

We loved the generous portion of loosely knit veal meatballs.

The New York Times

They came in a generous portion, served in an earthenware casserole.

The New York Times

Cilantro shrimp were plump and salty, happily paired with a generous portion of the same salsa.

The New York Times

Place a generous portion of rice on each plate, and top with a piece of chicken.

The New York Times - Food

Barack Obama took North Carolina by... let's just say it's a generous portion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Spread each tortilla with avocado butter and add a generous portion of carnitas.

The New York Times - Food

A generous portion of hot, spiced tamales – a savoury cornmeal cake – is £6.50.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A generous portion, crustily seared outside, and tremblingly tender within, couldn't be better.

The New York Times - Travel

Best of all, his philosophizing is often served up with a generous portion of wit.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generous portion" when you want to emphasize not just the size of something, but also the positive connotation of abundance and hospitality.

Common error

While "generous portion" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "substantial quantity" or "significant amount" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generous portion" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "generous" modifies the noun "portion". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly usable and correct English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generous portion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a large and satisfying amount of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It is most commonly encountered in News & Media contexts, but also appears in Wiki entries and formal business writing. While versatile, avoid overusing it in formal contexts where more precise language might be preferred. Alternatives such as "ample serving" or "substantial amount" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ample serving

Emphasizes the sufficient or plentiful nature of the serving.

heaping plateful

Suggests a portion piled high on a plate.

substantial amount

Highlights the considerable quantity of something.

liberal helping

Implies a freely given and abundant serving.

plentiful supply

Focuses on the abundance and availability of something.

considerable measure

Emphasizes the significant degree or extent of something.

lavish quantity

Suggests an extravagant or excessive amount.

full measure

Indicates a complete and satisfying amount.

bountiful portion

Implies a generous and abundant amount, often associated with harvest or plenty.

large measure

Highlights the great size or extent of something.

FAQs

How can I use "generous portion" in a sentence?

You can use "generous portion" to describe an ample serving of food, as in "The restaurant served a "generous portion" of pasta". It can also describe an abundance of something else, like "He received a "generous portion" of praise for his work".

What are some alternatives to "generous portion"?

Alternatives include "ample serving", "substantial amount", or "liberal helping", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "generous portion" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "generous portion" might be considered informal for highly technical or academic contexts. In those cases, consider using more precise terms like "significant quantity".

What does "generous portion" typically refer to?

While often used in reference to food servings, "generous portion" can apply to any situation where you want to emphasize that someone is receiving a large and satisfying amount of something.