a modest acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest acquaintance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship with someone that is not very close or intimate, indicating a level of familiarity that is limited or casual. Example: "Although we only have a modest acquaintance, I always enjoy our brief conversations at the coffee shop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In "The Eternal Frontier" Flannery synthesizes a vast range of scientific studies and a decent selection of historical and cultural writings, leavening those with his own forceful ideas and a modest acquaintance with the landscape, in order to explain America, in the largest sense, to Americans -- and to everyone else.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Under the Presidency of Adolphe Thiers, an indulgent acquaintance, he got off rather easily at first, with six months in jail (painting still-lifes) and a modest fine.

The New Yorker

Take a modest proposal.

The Guardian

Loretta is a modest prosecutor".

The New Yorker

He was a modest man.

The Economist

Or a modest nest egg.

The New Yorker

Here's a modest proposal.

The New York Times

A modest little house designed.

The New Yorker

It had a modest impact.

The New York Times - Science

It is a modest proposition.

The New Yorker

A modest backlash was inevitable.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a relationship, be specific about the context and nature of the "a modest acquaintance". This adds clarity and helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest acquaintance" when describing someone you know well or have a close relationship with. This can downplay the importance of the connection and appear insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest acquaintance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the extent or nature of a person's familiarity with another person or subject. Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a modest acquaintance" is a grammatically sound but relatively uncommon way to describe a superficial or limited relationship or familiarity. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to be mindful of the context and ensure that it accurately reflects the nature of the relationship or knowledge being described. Alternatives such as "a casual acquaintance" or "a slight acquaintance" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight acquaintance

Replaces "modest" with "slight" to emphasize a minimal degree of familiarity.

a casual acquaintance

Uses "casual" instead of "modest", suggesting an informal and not very close relationship.

a passing acquaintance

Indicates a brief and superficial level of familiarity.

a limited acquaintance

Highlights the restricted nature of the relationship.

a nodding acquaintance

Suggests the acquaintance is so minimal it might only involve a quick greeting.

a superficial acquaintance

Implies a lack of depth in the relationship.

a brief acquaintance

Emphasizes the short duration or nature of the acquaintance.

a tenuous connection

Focuses on the fragility of the relationship.

a distant acquaintance

Suggests a lack of closeness and emotional connection.

a formal acquaintance

Highlights the strictly professional or polite nature of the relationship.

FAQs

What does "a modest acquaintance" mean?

It refers to a person known only slightly or casually, implying a superficial or limited relationship.

How can I use "a modest acquaintance" in a sentence?

You might say, "Although we had only "a modest acquaintance", I always enjoyed our brief conversations."

What can I say instead of "a modest acquaintance"?

You can use alternatives like "a casual acquaintance", "a slight acquaintance", or "a passing acquaintance".

Is it appropriate to introduce someone as "a modest acquaintance"?

While grammatically correct, it might sound unusual. Consider saying "someone I know from..." or "a colleague of mine" for a more natural introduction.