a little modicum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little modicum" is not correct in standard English usage.
The word "modicum" already implies a small amount, so adding "a little" is redundant. Example: "He showed a modicum of interest in the project, but not enough to participate."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a lot of swearing, a little nudity, a modicum of sex and an eternity of staring at your watch.

The New York Times

It gives them a little extra time, a modicum of extra space.

The New York Times - Sports

To try a modicum of turtle blood here and a little aspirin there is not the hallmark of wisdom and even-mindedness.

The New York Times

You need a modicum of talent (by which I mean a little human understanding and the ability to recognize that some word orders are better than others) and then you set to work.

The Guardian - Books

Wouldn't there be some, among the crowds that always throng the square, just a few with still a modicum of humanity who, for a trifling sum, will take pride and joy in setting little birds free.

The Guardian - Travel

Little did I know, this pseudo-identity crisis I faced as a child would give me a modicum of an insider perspective into the lives of the many interfaith college students I would work with twenty years later.

Huffington Post

The series offers a modicum of suspense, but little satisfying action and absolutely no sense of humor.

The New York Times - Arts

If the move was an attempt to gain a modicum of respectability, it backfired.

Forbes

So it was with a certain amount of hope and a modicum of hesitation that I approached Lady Day, at the Little Shubert, with Dee Dee Bridgewater playing the inimitable jazz singer.

Huffington Post

With a modicum effort and a decent trowel, we may all be able to find our little piece of Zen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This experiment suggests that even an incomplete warning system provides a modicum of protection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using both "a little" and "modicum" together, as it creates redundancy. Choose one or the other to express a small quantity.

Common error

Be aware that using phrases like "a little modicum" weakens your writing. Opt for stronger, more concise alternatives like "a small amount" or simply "a modicum" to convey the intended meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little modicum" functions as a modifier intended to quantify something in a small measure. However, it is considered grammatically incorrect because the word "modicum" already implies a small quantity, rendering "a little" redundant, as noted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little modicum" is generally considered grammatically incorrect due to its redundant nature, as "modicum" itself means a small amount. As Ludwig AI explains, adding "a little" is unnecessary. While the intent is to express a small quantity, it's best to opt for alternatives like "a small amount" or simply "a modicum" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity. Therefore, you should avoid using this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount

Replaces "modicum" and "a little" with a more direct and common expression.

a bit

A more concise and informal way to express a small quantity.

a small quantity

A more formal and explicit way to express a limited amount.

a touch

Suggests a very slight amount or degree of something.

a limited quantity

Synonymous of "a small quantity", indicating that the item is restricted in number or amount

a trace

Implies an extremely small and often barely perceptible amount.

a hint

Similar to "a touch", suggesting a subtle indication or small amount.

a degree

Indicates a certain level or extent, often used for abstract qualities.

a measure

Suggests a limited or moderate quantity of something.

a modicum

Uses "modicum" alone, which already implies a small quantity.

FAQs

Why is "a little modicum" considered incorrect?

The phrase "a little modicum" is redundant because "modicum" already means a small amount. Using "a little" in conjunction with it is unnecessary and grammatically awkward.

What can I say instead of "a little modicum"?

You can use alternatives like "a small amount", "a bit", or simply "a modicum" to express a small quantity.

Is it ever correct to use "little" with words that imply smallness?

While sometimes used colloquially for emphasis, it's generally best to avoid using "little" with words like "modicum" or "hint" in formal writing to prevent redundancy. For example, using "a small amount" instead of "a little modicum" is preferrable.

What's the difference between "a modicum" and "a small amount"?

While both phrases indicate a small quantity, "a modicum" often suggests a more formal or refined tone compared to "a small amount", which is more neutral.