just a slice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just a slice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small portion or piece of something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I only want just a slice of the cake, not a whole piece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's just a slice of life.

The New York Times

Or just a slice of toast ?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's for a whole cake, not just a slice.

The Guardian

These projects are just a slice of the energy experiment unfolding across Hawaii's six main islands.

The New York Times - Science

Not just a slice of Scouse history, the Baltic is also a brew-pub renowned for its own Wapping beers.

The Guardian - Travel

Finding good pizza is easier than it used to be, though not if you want just a slice.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

What transpired Sunday night wasn't just a slice-and-dice guilty pleasure to be consumed like a stolen ice milk.

Huffington Post

(But we just want a slice of that pizza. Do they come in slices?). 4.

Huffington Post

There are a lot of things in this life that I would trade in a minute just for a slice of normalcy I just listed a few things that they probably never viewed from that particular perspective.

Wikipedia

He just wanted a slice of pepperoni.

The New Yorker

"They just want a slice of the cake".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just a slice", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'whole' is, to which the slice refers. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "just a slice" when the context implies the portion is significant or representative of the whole. This can mislead the reader and undermine the importance of the point you're making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just a slice" functions primarily as a modifier, often used to describe a portion or aspect being discussed. It can also function as a quantifier, indicating a small amount. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts, often to downplay or limit the scope of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just a slice" is a common and versatile expression used to denote a small portion or aspect of something larger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While interchangeable with alternatives like "small portion" or "mere fraction", it's important to use the phrase judiciously to avoid overgeneralization. Its neutral to informal register makes it suitable for everyday communication, but less appropriate for highly formal contexts. When employing "just a slice", clarity is key: ensure the context makes clear what "whole" it is being cut from.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only a small portion

Emphasizes the limited quantity or extent, similar to a fragment.

merely a fraction

Highlights the insignificance of the amount in relation to the whole.

simply a segment

Focuses on the idea of a piece being part of a larger structure or entity.

a small piece

A more literal substitute focusing on physical fragment of something.

a limited segment

Focuses on the constrained nature of the part being referenced.

a mere fragment

Underscores the incomplete nature and small size of the portion.

a tiny part

Emphasizes the diminutive scale of the portion.

a small segment

Highlights it's related to a part or section from whole.

just a portion

It's related to quantity or proportion.

only a part

It's related to only some from a number of things.

FAQs

What does "just a slice" mean?

"Just a slice" refers to a small portion or segment of something, implying that it's not the entirety but rather a piece of a larger whole.

How can I use "just a slice" in a sentence?

You can use "just a slice" to indicate that you're only experiencing or considering a small part of something. For example, "This report is "just a slice" of the overall problem".

What can I say instead of "just a slice"?

You can use alternatives like "small portion", "mere fraction", or "tiny part" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "just a slice"?

It's appropriate to use "just a slice" when you want to emphasize that you're only dealing with or considering a small, limited aspect of something more significant.