a modest allowance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest allowance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or reasonable amount of money or resources provided for a specific purpose, often in the context of budgeting or personal finance. Example: "After reviewing my expenses, I decided to set aside a modest allowance for entertainment each month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Accepting only a modest allowance, Stott donated all royalties in perpetuity to The Langham Partnership.

Independent

He confirms that Kabbalah teachers are unpaid, working full-time in return for accommodation, food and a modest allowance.

The Guardian

Two months ago, the 3-year-old filly Spoken Fur was a modest allowance winner; since moving to Frankel's barn, she has won two Grade I stakes.

The New York Times - Sports

POST/HORSE: 4. Dollar Bill TRAINER: Dallas Stewart JOCKEY: Pat Day ODDS: 30-1 Perennial money burner last won in March in a modest allowance race.

The New York Times - Sports

Their son, Keith, who is 15, and daughter, Taylor, 11, both of whom attend private school, "get a modest allowance," Mr. Costas said.

The New York Times

I traveled to places where wealthy businessmen might want a vacation house, often on a developer's dime, sometimes on a modest allowance from the magazine.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He said he donates his family's own relatively modest allowance of $180,000 a year to charity.

The New York Times

The members, who serve up to a year, receive an award of $4,725 toward higher education as well as a modest living allowance.

The New York Times

She had a modest travel allowance from the sponsor, but one blogger represented by an agency "wanted a first-class flight, hotel, five grand a day for three days — and an extra day to recover from the flight," she said.

The New York Times

Royal commissions were in effect abolished during the Thatcher years, but in the 1970s members were paid a modest daily allowance.This patchwork of small payments, or no payments at all, has a pernicious effect.

The Economist

AmeriCorps gives annual grants to 50,000 volunteers, who serve up to a year and receive an award of $4,725 toward higher education as well as a modest living allowance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, "a modest allowance" is suitable for describing research grants or stipends that cover basic expenses without providing lavish support.

Common error

Don't assume that "a modest allowance" implies comprehensive coverage; it typically refers to a limited amount meant to address only basic or essential needs. Avoid using it to describe situations where significant financial support is provided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest allowance" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective modifying the noun "allowance". It describes the size or extent of the allowance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

26%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a modest allowance" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a limited but reasonable financial provision. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While the phrase is suitable for formal and informal settings, it's crucial to understand that it implies a limited amount, as opposed to a generous or comprehensive one. When writing, be mindful of the specific nuance you intend to convey and consider using alternatives like ""a small stipend"" or ""a limited budget"" for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small stipend

Replaces "allowance" with "stipend", which suggests a fixed sum of money paid periodically.

a reasonable allotment

Substitutes "modest" with "reasonable" and "allowance" with "allotment", implying a fair and appropriate amount.

a limited budget

Replaces the phrase with a focus on budgeting and financial constraint.

a nominal payment

Emphasizes that the payment is small and symbolic.

a fair reimbursement

Suggests repayment for expenses, implying the allowance covers specific costs.

a basic allocation

Highlights the fundamental nature of the allowance, implying it covers essential needs.

a slight contribution

Indicates that the allowance is a small part of a larger whole.

a minimal subsidy

Suggests financial aid that is just enough to help.

a reduced allocation

Emphasizes that the allowance has been decreased or is smaller than usual.

a tight budget

Suggests the budget is restricted and doesn't offer much flexibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest allowance" to describe a limited amount of money provided for a specific purpose, such as "The research grant included "a modest allowance" for travel expenses".

What phrases are similar to "a modest allowance"?

Alternatives include "a small stipend", "a limited budget", or "a reasonable allotment". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a modest allowance" in formal writing?

Yes, "a modest allowance" is suitable for formal writing when you need to describe a limited but adequate financial provision. Its formality aligns well with academic and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "a modest allowance" and "a generous allowance"?

"A modest allowance" implies a limited amount, sufficient for basic needs, while "a generous allowance" suggests a larger sum that allows for more discretionary spending and comfort.