What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slice
Example
Can you slice the bread for me, please? [slice: verb]
Example
I only want a small slice of cake. [slice: noun]
portion
Example
Please give me a portion of rice. [portion: noun]
Example
I will portion out the ingredients for the recipe. [portion: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Portion is more commonly used than slice in everyday language. Portion is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while slice is less common and is primarily used when referring to food.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slice and portion?
Both slice and portion are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.