portion

USAGE SUMMARY

"portion" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a part of something larger. For example, you can say, "I ate a small portion of the cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Money

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Skeptics argue that a large portion of those jobs are low-wage, part-time jobs that do little to help the families that struggle to make ends meet.

The Guardian - Money

Until now, discussion has centred on how Greece can lay its hands on a portion of the €7.2bn not yet disbursed under the previous bailout deal.

The Guardian

The Open Wireless Router will also allow small businesses and home users to let guests and passersby get an internet connection if they need one, while maintaining a secure, password-protected portion of their network.

The Guardian - Tech

About 90m tonnes of animal waste is also produced in the UK each year, only a tiny portion of which is used for energy production.

The Guardian

With just six working days left for Congress to re-authorise a controversial expiring portion of the 2001 Patriot Act that the NSA has used since 2006 to justify the program, Senate Republican leaders have insisted the bulk domestic surveillance should be renewed in its current form but conceded they may not have the votes to do so.

The Guardian

I stand at the far end of the market watching fishmongers drink cheap beer and dice up clam or salmon ceviche for £3 a portion.

The Guardian - Travel

I took out a large portion of loans to pay for school".

The Guardian - Money

The indictment alleges: "Soon after receiving these wire transfers, the defendant Jack Warner caused a substantial portion of the funds to be diverted for his personal use," which included laundering the money through intermediaries.

The Guardian - Sport

The Crown Prosecution Service in England put Coulson on notice last August that it would seek to recoup a portion of the £750,000 costs amassed in the eight-month phone-hacking trial that resulted in his 18-month jail sentence.

The Guardian

'This will be deducted from your share in Paradise,' he said as he handed me my portion..."....

The Guardian - Books

It would lead to the warlordisation of Libya with the central authority controlling no more than a portion of the capital … On the other hand, if [Congress] members voted with what they believe to be the best interest of their constituents, then we have just witnessed democracy in action.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing amounts, clarify whether you are referring to a "portion" of a physical object or an abstract concept like time or money.

Common error

While "portion" is versatile, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "part", "share", or "segment" to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "portion" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a part of a whole or an allocated amount. Ludwig AI indicates this word is correct and usable in written English. It often specifies a quantity or share within a larger context, as evidenced by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Travel

5%

Money

5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Sport

3%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "portion" is a versatile and commonly used noun that refers to a part of a whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and acceptable term in written English, frequently appearing in news articles, travel writing, and discussions about finance. While highly versatile and frequently used, be careful to make sure you are using the right word for the part you are talking about, such as a "share", "segment" or "piece". Avoiding overuse and varying your vocabulary with synonyms can enhance the clarity and engagement of your writing. Keep in mind that using a proper synonym can make a difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part

A more general term for a section or element of something.

share

Implies a distributed amount or allocation.

segment

Refers to a distinct division or section.

amount

Focuses on the quantity or measure of something.

fraction

Emphasizes that the amount is a numerical part of a whole.

percentage

Expresses the amount as a part of 100.

piece

Suggests a physical fragment or component.

division

Implies a separated or allocated quantity.

ration

Specifically refers to a controlled allocation, often of food or resources.

serving

Typically used in the context of food, referring to a single helping.

FAQs

How can I use "portion" in a sentence?

You can use "portion" to refer to a part of something, as in "I ate a small "portion" of the cake", or to an allocated amount, like "A large "portion" of the budget was spent on marketing".

What are some alternatives to the word "portion"?

Depending on the context, you can use "part", "share", "segment", or "amount" as alternatives to "portion".

Is it correct to say "a portion of the people"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a "portion" of the people" to indicate a part or section of a group.

What's the difference between "portion" and "percentage"?

"Portion" is a general term for a part of something, while "percentage" specifically refers to a part expressed as a fraction of 100.