portable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "portable" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use the word to describe something small that can be easily moved, such as "This laptop is very portable and easy to take with you wherever you go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is believed the ADF has no portable isolation units.

The Guardian

It includes the provision of servers, storage, workstations, portable devices, software, wireless technology, network infrastructure, peripherals, and network management services.

The Guardian

In protest against Hamburger SV's steep prices for away standing tickets, they vacated their block after 10 minutes to follow the game outside the ground, next to two portable buildings that had been helpfully provided by the Imtech Arena.

The Guardian - Sport

Murphy showed me what resembled a small aerial for an old-fashioned portable TV: it was a hand-held scanner mainly used by the US army to locate downed drones.

The Guardian

It also makes Scheme more portable, because you can just distribute object code to compatible systems.

The Guardian

The real problems come from trying to replace the keyboard, screen and mouse with more portable and more flexible input/output devices.

The Guardian - Tech

He reckons they would have fulfilled much the same function as a pasty in this country – the perfect portable, high-energy snack for a day's work in the fields or out on fishing boats.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

TheWholeIngredient make a peanut butter and dark chocolate granola that, when packed in a jar with fresh fruit and yoghurt, is perfectly portable nutty, fruity goodness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The the three-year contract will be divided into 16 lots: servers; storage; ICT spares; workstations; portable devices; Apple iOS devices; Microsoft software; network infrastructure components; managed wireless; cabling components; data cabinets; peripherals; support partnership; curriculum software; network management; and bundled items.

The Guardian

In Leeds, up to 500 revellers in Temple Newsam park spoiled the fun by tipping over portable toilets and setting fire to them in what police described as acts of "sustained, determined and mindless" violence in the early hours of Monday.

The Guardian

Everywhere you went in Paris during the revolt in Tunisia, portable televisions blared at top volume in shops, takeaways and cafes, broadcasting a polyglot, polyphonic babble from Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya and the French-speaking channels from the Maghreb.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing software, use "portable" to indicate that it can run on multiple operating systems without modification, emphasizing its adaptability and wide compatibility.

Common error

Avoid using "portable" as a universal substitute for all movable items. For instance, while a refrigerator might be movable, it's not typically described as "portable" due to its size and the effort required to move it. Use "portable" for items designed for easy carrying.

Linguistic Context

The word "portable" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate the quality of being easily carried or moved. Ludwig shows examples where "portable" describes devices, equipment, and even abstract concepts like software.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Tech

25%

Lifestyle

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "portable" is a versatile adjective signifying ease of movement and convenience. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse fields like news, technology, and lifestyle. When using "portable", it's important to consider whether it accurately reflects the ease with which something can be carried, avoiding its overuse for items merely movable but not designed for easy transport. Alternative phrases like "easily carried" or "readily transportable" can provide more precise descriptions, depending on the context. Remember the guidance of Ludwig, when describing software, using "portable" indicates its adaptability and wide compatibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily carried

Focuses specifically on the action of carrying something with ease.

easily movable

Emphasizes the simple act of moving an object.

readily transportable

Highlights the ability to be transported quickly and without difficulty.

convenient to carry

Focuses on the user's convenience in carrying the item.

lightweight and movable

Highlights both the weight and ease of movement.

compact and transportable

Emphasizes the small size and ease of transport.

mobile

A more general term indicating the ability to move.

transferable

Focuses on the ability to be moved from one place to another, especially in a digital context.

relocatable

Emphasizes the ability to change the location of something.

takeaway

Suggests something can be taken away or moved to a new location. Often used for food or key learnings.

FAQs

How to use "portable" in a sentence?

You can use "portable" to describe items easily carried, such as "This is a "portable charger" for your phone", or software that runs on multiple platforms.

What can I say instead of "portable"?

Alternatives include "easily carried", "readily transportable", or "easily movable" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "portable device" or "mobile device"?

Both "portable device" and "mobile device" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Portable device" highlights ease of carrying, while "mobile device" emphasizes the ability to connect to a network and be used in various locations.

What's the difference between "portable" and "transportable"?

"Portable" generally refers to something designed to be easily carried by a person, while "transportable" suggests something can be moved by any means, including vehicles. A laptop is portable, while a large machine disassembled for shipping is transportable.