EASILY CONFUSED WORDS – PORTION/POTION

Although “potion” and “portion” differ by only one letter, their meanings are completely different.

Portions of potions?

 Depending on your interests, it’s much more likely that “portion” is the word you need, especially for academic writing.

 A portion is a part of a whole or a share of something.

 e.g. “The BBC understands that the three firms chosen are likely to retain a portion of their award even if their services are no longer needed, due to a deal being reached with Brussels.”

 It is also used to describe an amount of food suitable for or to be served to one person.

 e.g. “On average, muffins bought on-the-go at railway station food outlets had 19% more sugar per portion and were 32% bigger than those bought in supermarkets.”

 Harry Potter readers should be familiar with “potion” – this is a drink that is poisonous or has healing or magical properties.

e.g. “She was a beautiful young woman married to a famous archer, Hou-yi, who managed to win an immortality potion.”


The following use of “potion” is incorrect - this should be replaced with “portion”.

“Ms. Stallmach says that only a small potion of their annual income comes from government funding, with last year’s being less than 12 per cent.” ❌

Photo credit: Chris Potako