the first portion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first portion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial part of something, such as a text, a process, or a sequence. Example: "In the first portion of the report, we will discuss the background information relevant to the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first portion he was a line-drive doubles hitter.

The New York Times - Sports

Hope we helped you get through the first portion.

The New York Times

Choral Evensong with the first portion of Buxtehude's "Membra Jesu Nostri".

The New York Times

The group will also release the first portion of the Rwandan archive.

The New York Times - Science

This infuriates her husband, Mr Cheong, the narrator of the first portion of the book.

The Guardian - Books

The first portion of State Highway 550 opened in Cameron County last year.

The New York Times

The first portion of the Al-Ghawār oil field was discovered at ʿAyn Dār in 1948.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I would argue the first portion should always be the goal, but the latter is reality.

The New York Times

The first portion of Keystone, from Alberta to Oklahoma, sprang fourteen leaks in its first year of operation.

The New Yorker

Johnson won the last two races to finish the first portion of the season with six victories.

The New York Times - Sports

The film splits almost in half, the first portion played almost entirely for comedy and the second portion as tragedy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the first portion", ensure it clearly defines the initial part of a larger whole, whether it's a physical object, a process, or a piece of writing. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides clarity to the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid using "the first portion" if the boundaries between it and subsequent portions are not clearly defined. This can lead to confusion about what is included in each segment. Provide specific markers or criteria to differentiate the sections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first portion" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific part of something, usually the initial segment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the first portion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to denote the initial segment of something, be it a process, document, or object. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register appropriate for diverse audiences. When writing, ensure clear boundaries between this and subsequent portions to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "the initial segment" or "the opening part" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial segment

Replaces "portion" with "segment", emphasizing a distinct part of a whole, often in a linear or sequential context.

the opening part

Substitutes "portion" with "part", highlighting the beginning or introductory section.

the beginning phase

Replaces "first" with "beginning" and "portion" with "phase", emphasizing the initial stage of a process or activity.

the primary section

Uses "primary" instead of "first" and "section" instead of "portion", focusing on the main or most important initial part.

the initial phase

Combines "initial" with "phase" to convey the starting period of a process.

the earliest stage

Replaces "first" with "earliest" and "portion" with "stage", emphasizing the temporal aspect of the beginning.

the introductory section

Uses "introductory" to describe the function of the initial part, which introduces a topic or subject.

the opening sequence

Replaces "portion" with "sequence", suggesting an ordered series of events or steps at the beginning.

the preliminary segment

Uses "preliminary" to indicate something that precedes or prepares for the main part.

the starting point

Shifts the focus to the origin or place where something begins, rather than a section or part.

FAQs

How can I use "the first portion" in a sentence?

You can use "the first portion" to refer to the initial part of something. For example, "The first portion of the hike was steep", or "The first portion of the book introduces the main characters".

What are some alternatives to saying "the first portion"?

Alternatives include "the initial segment", "the opening part", or "the beginning phase", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "the very first portion"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "the very first portion" can often be redundant. The word "first" already implies the beginning, so adding "very" may not add significant meaning. It's usually better to stick with "the first portion" for clarity.

How does "the first portion" differ from "the initial stage"?

"The first portion" typically refers to a section or part of something tangible or conceptual, while "the initial stage" usually describes the beginning phase of a process or development. The difference lies in whether you're referring to a segment or a phase.