substantial portion

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial portion" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a large or significant part of something. You can use "substantial portion" when describing a part of something that is important or considerable. For example: - A substantial portion of the budget was allocated to education. - The company purchased a substantial portion of shares in the competitor's company. - A substantial portion of the city's population attended the protest. - A substantial portion of the novel focused on the protagonist's childhood. - The new policy affects a substantial portion of the employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just said a substantial portion".

The New Yorker

A substantial portion will be retained as farmland.

The Guardian

A substantial portion of service workers are employed in retailing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The second, more substantial portion featured "An Expectation of Violence".

The New York Times - Arts

Meanwhile, a substantial portion of the costs of operating a nuclear plant are imposed on communities.

The New York Times

We are dependent on government-controlled companies for a substantial portion of our needs..

The Guardian - Business

"That makes it less appropriate for a substantial portion of your financial nest egg.

The New York Times

In February 1986, Iran captured a substantial portion of the Fao Peninsula.

The Guardian - Opinion

A substantial portion of the complaint attacks the assertions Stanford made to his clients.

The New Yorker

Boards should require their executives to hold "a substantial portion" of their stock, Mr. Paulson said.

The New York Times

The textiles and interiors unit is a substantial portion of DuPont Canada's business and operations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial portion" to indicate a significant but not necessarily overwhelming part of something, providing a nuanced description of quantity or proportion.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "substantial portion" in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "significant part", "considerable amount", or "major share" to enhance readability and prevent repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial portion" functions as a determiner followed by a noun. It modifies a noun to indicate that a significant, but not necessarily a majority, amount or part of something is being referenced. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial portion" is a versatile expression used to denote a significant, though not necessarily a majority, amount or part of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While synonyms like "significant part" and "considerable amount" exist, "substantial portion" offers a nuanced way to describe quantity and relative importance. To avoid overuse, diversify your writing by incorporating these alternative phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant part

This alternative is a more general term, replacing "substantial" with "significant" for a slightly less formal tone.

considerable amount

This alternative shifts the focus from a part to an amount, suitable when quantifying the portion is less important.

large segment

This alternative emphasizes a section or division of a whole, useful when referring to groups or populations.

major share

This alternative implies a dominant or principal part, highlighting the importance of the portion.

appreciable fraction

This alternative is more formal and precise, suitable for technical or academic contexts where accuracy is crucial.

noticeable segment

This alternative emphasizes the visibility or recognizability of the portion.

sizeable chunk

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the physical or concrete aspect of the portion.

significant percentage

This alternative is best used when referring to a portion expressed as a percentage.

important section

This alternative focuses on the relevance and value of the portion within a larger context.

lion's share

This alternative implies that one portion is excessively big compared to other portions.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial portion" in a sentence?

The phrase "substantial portion" typically indicates a significant amount or part of something. For example, "A "substantial portion" of the budget was allocated to education" or "He inherited a "substantial portion" of his grandfather's estate".

What phrases can I use instead of "substantial portion"?

Alternatives to "substantial portion" include "significant part", "considerable amount", "major share", or "appreciable fraction". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "substantial portion" or "significant portion"?

Both "substantial portion" and "significant portion" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Substantial" often implies a larger or more considerable amount than "significant", but the difference is subtle. Choose the one that best fits the tone and emphasis of your writing.

What's the difference between "substantial portion" and "majority"?

"Substantial portion" indicates a notable amount, but less than half of the whole. "Majority" refers to more than half. Therefore, while a "substantial portion" is significant, it isn't necessarily the larger part, unlike a "majority".