portion of substance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "portion of substance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a specific amount or part of a material or chemical substance. Example: "In the experiment, we measured a portion of substance to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A cell," she wrote, "is a minute portion of living substance".

The New York Times - Arts

One idea was that a portion of a substance can resist the corrupting influence of the surrounding medium only if there is a sufficient amount of it.

SEP

All five ontologies shared 11 correspondences (HAO class labels): anatomical entity (CARO), portion of organism substance (CARO), acellular anatomical structure (CARO), coxa, female genitalia, femur, leg, pretarsus, tarsal claw, tibia and trochanter.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

81 The systemic retention is prolonged because the Fc-portion of the substance binds to an endothelial cell receptor and is recycled.

British Journal of Ophthalmology

Substances cannot be divided indefinitely, it was claimed, because division will eventually result in natural minima which are either indivisible or are such that, if divided, no longer constitute a portion of the divided substance.

SEP

Other naturally occurring deoxy sugars are hexoses, of which L-rhamnose (6-deoxy-L-mannose) and L-fucose (6-deoxy-L-galactose) are the most common; the latter, for example, is present in the carbohydrate portion of blood-group substances and in red-blood-cell membranes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The uncharged portions of humic substances can react with synthetic organic compounds such as pesticides, fertilizers, solid and liquid waste materials, and their degradation products.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In terms of biological research, the research field is today generating synthetic counterparts of portions of many substances vital to the lives of cells and the individuals of which they are parts.

The New York Times

It penetrates the lateral portion of the anterior perforating substance [ 7].

BioMed Research International

Of other substances, some are reabsorbed completely, others in part, because this portion of the nephron separates substances that must be retained in the body from those destined for excretion in the urine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The private sector is responsible for a substantial portion of treatment for mental and substance use disorders, with private insurance accounting for about 24% of mental and substance use disorder expenditures in 2005 [ 1].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "portion of substance", ensure the context clearly defines the substance being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the type of substance, such as "portion of chemical compound" or "portion of organic matter".

Common error

Avoid using "portion of substance" in contexts where a more specific term is appropriate. Instead of saying "a portion of substance was analyzed", consider using "a sample of the compound" or "a fraction of the material" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "portion of substance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific quantity or division of a material, often in a scientific or technical context. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it correctly implies a part of something tangible.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "portion of substance" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to a specific quantity or division of a material. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to note its frequency is limited. It is most commonly found in scientific, technical, and formal contexts. For more general use cases, alternatives such as "part of material" may be more appropriate. When using this phrase, clarity is key. Ensure the "substance" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While grammatically correct, the phrase's infrequent occurrence and specific contexts suggest reserving it for situations where technical precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part of material

Focuses specifically on the division of a material into smaller components.

fraction of matter

Highlights the fractional aspect of the substance being considered.

segment of a compound

Emphasizes that the substance is a compound and focuses on a specific segment.

piece of matter

Uses a more general term "piece" instead of "portion".

volume of chemical

Specifies the substance is a chemical and quantifies its volume.

amount of element

Specifies that the substance is an element and quantifies it.

component of a mixture

Highlights that the substance is a component within a mixture.

quantity of stuff

Uses more informal terms for both "portion" and "substance".

percentage of material

Focuses on the proportional part of a material, expressed as a percentage.

share of ingredient

Implies the substance is an ingredient in a mixture or recipe.

FAQs

How can I use "portion of substance" in a sentence?

You might use "portion of substance" when referring to a specific quantity of a particular material, such as, "The scientist analyzed a small portion of substance to determine its properties."

What are some alternatives to "portion of substance"?

Alternatives include "amount of material", "part of matter", or "sample of compound", depending on the specific context. For example, instead of “portion of substance” you can try "amount of material".

When is it best to use "portion of substance" over a simpler term like "part"?

Use "portion of substance" when you need to emphasize the material or chemical nature of what you're discussing. "Part" is more general, while "portion of substance" is more specific and technical.

Is "portion of substance" a formal or informal expression?

It leans towards a more formal or technical register, commonly found in scientific or academic contexts. Simpler alternatives, such as "bit of stuff", would be more informal.