only a small portion

USAGE SUMMARY

"only a small portion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is limited in comparison to the whole. For example, "I could only eat a small portion of the cake because I was full."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only a small portion lives in refugee camps.

The Guardian

Only a small portion of the building was accessible.

The Guardian

That is only a small portion of "Celtic Tiger," however.

The New Yorker

Indeed, only a small portion of the advertisements were broadcast.

The New York Times

This may be only a small portion of the problem.

The New York Times

And her insurance would pay only a small portion.

The New York Times

Only a small portion now goes to the city under the reimbursement formula in effect.

The New York Times

In Seminole it was only a small portion of the ballots".

The New York Times

He added that wind power formed only a small portion of OGN's business.

The Guardian

Only a small portion of the condemned in this country are mentally retarded.

The New York Times

For now, these sponsored sites make up only a small portion of all the sites shown.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only a small portion", ensure the context clearly defines the whole to which the portion relates. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "only a small portion" when the portion is actually substantial. Overstating the smallness can mislead your audience. Use precise language and, if possible, provide specific numbers or percentages to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a small portion" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It serves to quantify and limit the amount or extent of something, indicating that only a fraction or part of the whole is being considered. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only a small portion" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that something constitutes a limited amount of a larger whole. Ludwig AI confirms the correct and frequent usage of this phrase. It is versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, while maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the whole to which the portion relates, and avoid using it when the portion is actually substantial. Consider alternatives like ""just a fraction"" or ""a limited amount"" to add nuances to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a fraction

Emphasizes the smallness of the amount; more concise.

merely a fraction

Adds a sense of insignificance to the small amount.

a limited amount

Focuses on the restriction or limitation of the quantity.

a tiny fraction

Highlights the extremely small size of the portion.

a negligible quantity

Indicates that the amount is so small it's hardly worth considering.

a minor segment

Implies that the small portion is part of a larger whole.

a small percentage

Quantifies the portion as a percentage, often used in statistical contexts.

an insignificant part

Highlights the unimportance of the portion.

a reduced quantity

Focuses on the reduction in the amount.

hardly any

Informal way of expressing a very small quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "only a small portion" in a sentence?

You can use "only a small portion" to indicate that a limited amount of something is being discussed. For example, "Only a small portion of the budget was allocated to marketing."

What are some alternatives to saying "only a small portion"?

Alternatives include "just a fraction", "a limited amount", or "a tiny fraction", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "only a small portion" or "only a small percentage"?

The choice depends on the context. "Only a small percentage" is more appropriate when you have specific numerical data. "Only a small portion" is suitable when you want to express a limited quantity without being precise.

What does "only a small portion" imply about the remaining part?

Using "only a small portion" typically implies that a larger, more significant part remains. It highlights the limited nature of the portion being discussed in relation to the whole.