What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
part
Example
I need you to play a part in this project. [part: noun]
Example
Can you part your hair on the left side? [part: verb]
portion
Example
I only ate a small portion of the cake. [portion: noun]
Example
Please portion out the rice into equal servings. [portion: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Part is more commonly used than portion in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications. However, portion is more commonly used in the context of food and drink servings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between part and portion?
Both part and portion are relatively neutral in terms of formality, but part may be slightly more formal due to its wider range of applications in technical or professional contexts.
