portion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "portion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a part or segment of something larger, often in contexts involving quantities, amounts, or divisions. Example: "A significant portion of the budget will be allocated to research and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(See a portion of the strip below).

The New Yorker

A small portion of mushroom risotto.

The New York Times

Plasma, the liquid portion of blood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Miserly portion of protein?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Describes a portion of the performance.

The New Yorker

A tiny portion of roast beef.

The Economist

This portion of the free breakfast afterward.

Independent

Christmas portion of Handel's "Messiah".

The New York Times

Cape Breton Island, northeastern portion of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's a big portion of our offense.

The New York Times - Sports

Place a portion of fish on potatoes.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing quantities or amounts, consider whether "portion of" accurately conveys the intended sense of proportion or distribution. For example, "a significant portion of the budget" implies a notable allocation.

Common error

Avoid using "portion of" when "part of" or other simpler alternatives are clearer and more concise. Overusing "portion of" can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "portion of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a part, share, or segment of it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable English phrase. For example, "a large "portion of" it is steel."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

27%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "portion of" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe a part or segment of something larger. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, science, and wiki sources. While generally suitable for neutral to professional communication, consider whether simpler alternatives like "part of" might be more appropriate to avoid unnecessary verbosity. Remember to use "portion of" when you want to specify or quantify a segment within a whole, adding detail and precision to your writing. Avoiding the over-usage of "portion of" is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part of

A more general and widely applicable synonym, suitable for most contexts where "portion of" is used.

segment of

Implies a distinct and identifiable section or division within a larger whole.

share of

Suggests a division or allocation, often implying ownership or responsibility.

piece of

Refers to a fragment or component, often tangible or easily separated.

fraction of

Highlights that the amount is a small or incomplete part of the entire entity.

percentage of

Indicates a proportion expressed as a fraction of 100.

element of

Signifies a basic or essential constituent of something larger.

component of

Implies something that combines with other parts to form a whole.

amount of

Highlights the measurement or quantity of something.

division of

Specifies a separation or allocation into sections.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "portion of"?

You can use alternatives like "part of", "segment of", or "share of" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "portion of" in a sentence?

Use "portion of" to describe a part or segment of something larger. For example: "A large "portion of" the population lives in urban areas."

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a portion of the". It is commonly used to refer to a part of a whole. For example: "A "portion of" the profits will be donated to charity."

What is the difference between "portion of" and "percentage of"?

"Portion of" is a general term for a part of something, while "percentage of" refers to a proportion expressed as a fraction of 100. You might say "A significant "portion of" the project is complete", or "50 "percent of" the project is complete".