What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
piece
Example
Can I have a piece of cake, please? [piece: noun]
Example
She played a beautiful piece on the piano. [piece: noun]
Example
He took a piece of wood and began carving it into a sculpture. [piece: noun]
portion
Example
I only ate a small portion of my dinner. [portion: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for a portion of rice and a portion of vegetables. [portion: noun]
Example
The park is divided into different portions for picnicking, hiking, and camping. [portion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Portion is more commonly used than piece in everyday language, especially in the context of food and quantities. However, piece is still a common word and is often used in the context of art, music, and literature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between piece and portion?
Both piece and portion are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
