only a small portion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only a small portion of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that only a small part of something exists, compared to the rest. For example, "Only a small portion of the research has been completed so far."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

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

Individual rights are important, but they actually affect only a small portion of what government does.

The New York Times

Americans spend only a small portion of each dollar on stocking the kitchen.

The Guardian

Only a small portion of the financing has gone to nearby areas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only a small portion of" to introduce a contrasting or surprising fact, highlighting that the quantity is less than expected.

Common error

Avoid using "only a small portion of" when the portion, despite being small, has a significant impact. In such cases, focus on the impact rather than the size to avoid downplaying its importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a small portion of" functions as a quantifier, specifying that a limited quantity or amount of something is being considered. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only a small portion of" is a versatile quantifier used to indicate that a limited amount or quantity of something is being discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across a range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. While alternatives like "just a fraction of" or "a limited amount of" exist, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of limitation or surprise, highlighting that the amount is less than what might be expected. Remember to always define the whole when using this phrase and avoid using it when the small portion has a significant impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small fraction of

Alternative wording for a similar concept.

just a fraction of

Emphasizes a very small part of the whole.

a tiny segment of

Highlights the minute size of the portion.

a limited amount of

Focuses on the restricted quantity.

merely a fraction of

Stresses the insignificance of the portion.

a negligible part of

Indicates that the portion is so small it's almost not worth considering.

a scant quantity of

Highlights the barely sufficient amount.

a slim percentage of

Uses a percentage to specify the small size.

hardly any of

Emphasizes the lack of quantity.

an insignificant amount of

Stresses the unimportance due to the small size.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "only a small portion of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "a limited quantity of", "a negligible part of", or "merely a fraction of". These options offer a similar meaning but with a more elevated vocabulary.

What's the difference between "a small fraction of" and "only a small portion of"?

While both phrases convey the idea of a limited quantity, "only a small portion of" emphasizes that the small quantity is less than what might be expected or desired, adding a nuance of surprise or disappointment. "A small fraction of" is a more neutral statement of quantity.

Is it correct to use "only a small portion of" in academic writing?

Yes, "only a small portion of" is suitable for academic writing, particularly when you need to emphasize that the amount or extent of something is limited. Ensure that the context clearly defines what the "portion" is taken from.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "only a small portion of"?

A common mistake is using the phrase without clearly defining the whole. Always specify what the "small portion" is a part of. Also, avoid using it when the small portion has a disproportionately large impact; in such cases, focus on the impact rather than minimizing the quantity.