generous portion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generous portion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a substantial amount of something, often in a positive or favorable context. Example: "The chef served a generous portion of pasta, ensuring that everyone left the table satisfied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Yankees' sluggish offense somehow always seems to generate a generous portion of runs for Clemens in a manner that almost defies statistical convention.

The New York Times - Sports

That particular section evidently generates a generous portion of Craigslist's annual $80 million income, and Craigslist denies that it knowingly facilitates prostitution.

Huffington Post

Desserts were generally disappointing, with the exception of a generous portion of fresh doughnuts — not churros, but they amount to the same thing — with ice cream.

The New York Times - Travel

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

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

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

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 of" to convey abundance or a more than sufficient amount, especially in contexts where you want to evoke a sense of hospitality or value. For example, "The restaurant offered a generous portion of fries with every burger."

Common error

While "generous portion of" is widely understood, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "substantial amount" or "considerable quantity" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generous portion of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It describes the size or amount of something, often in a positive way. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generous portion of" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a large quantity of something, often food or drink. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, although it may be considered too informal for highly academic or professional settings. Its primary function is to express abundance or satisfaction with the amount provided. Semantically similar alternatives include "substantial amount of" and "ample quantity of", offering options for varying the expression. When writing, remember to avoid overusing it in formal contexts and consider the specific nuances each alternative brings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial amount of

Emphasizes the size or quantity, focusing on the amount being considerable.

ample quantity of

Highlights sufficiency and abundance in a more formal tone.

plentiful supply of

Suggests a readily available and abundant source, often implying more than enough.

large serving of

Specifically relates to food, referring to the size of a single portion served.

liberal helping of

Indicates a freely given and abundant amount, often used informally.

considerable measure of

Implies a significant or noteworthy degree or extent, more formal than the original phrase.

goodly amount of

An older, somewhat archaic way to describe a sizable quantity.

heaping portion of

Visually emphasizes a portion that is piled high or overflowing.

significant share of

Refers to a notable part or percentage of a whole, often used in contexts of distribution or allocation.

copious quantity of

Highlights an extremely large and abundant amount, often used in formal or literary contexts.

FAQs

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

"Generous portion of" is used to describe a large or ample serving or amount of something. For instance, "The restaurant gave us a "generous portion of" pasta."

What can I say instead of "generous portion of"?

You can use alternatives like "substantial amount of", "ample quantity of", or "large serving of" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "generous portion of" might sound too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using "substantial amount of" or "considerable quantity of" instead.

What is the difference between "generous portion of" and "ample serving of"?

"Generous portion of" generally implies a more-than-sufficient quantity given freely, while "ample serving of" simply indicates that the serving is sufficient or plentiful. The former carries a connotation of abundance, the latter of adequacy.