a modest amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an amount of something that is small but adequate or sufficient. For example: "He had a modest amount of money to pay for the tickets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a modest amount of military funding, not weapons.

The New York Times

He always seemed to have a modest amount of money.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The award will help cover a modest amount of conference fees, travel, and lodging expenses.

Cornell University

One of the nice things about getting older is a modest amount of stored experience.

The New York Times

Healthy eating and a modest amount of exercise are the keys.

The New York Times

So far, officials have described their case with a modest amount of detail.

The New York Times

Help only those who can stay in their homes with a modest amount of aid.

The New York Times

But that entire database is now under threat merely to save a modest amount of money".

The Guardian

It consists of 4,107 acres of mountainous wilderness and only a modest amount of development.

The New York Times

The firm had initially told investors the funds made a modest amount of money last year.

The New York Times

Why don't I allow a modest amount of meat into most things?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest amount of", ensure the noun it modifies is quantifiable. For example, "a modest amount of funding" or "a modest amount of time".

Common error

Avoid using "a modest amount of" with nouns that cannot be measured or counted. Instead of "a modest amount of happiness", consider "a moderate level of happiness" or "a touch of happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a noun. It indicates a quantity that is neither large nor negligible, but rather sufficient or reasonable in the given context. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a modest amount of" is a versatile quantifier used to describe quantities that are sufficient but not excessive. As Ludwig highlights with a large examples database, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely employed across various reputable sources, particularly in news, academia and scientific publications. It serves to convey a balanced perspective on resources or efforts, without exaggeration or minimisation. While versatile, ensure that the noun being quantified is measurable and that context aligns with the understated nature of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity of

Emphasizes the limited, but sufficient, nature of the amount.

a reasonable quantity of

Highlights the adequacy and appropriateness of the amount.

a limited quantity of

Focuses on the constraints or boundaries of the amount.

a fair quantity of

Suggests an amount that is just and equitable.

a small degree of

Shifts focus to the intensity or extent rather than a concrete amount.

a touch of

Implies a very slight or subtle amount.

a modicum of

Indicates a small but valuable or desirable amount.

a degree of

Indicates some, but unspecified, amount.

a certain level of

Highlights the presence of some quantity, focusing on existence over magnitude.

a sprinkling of

Suggests a sparse and scattered distribution of a small amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a modest amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a modest amount of" to describe a quantity that is small but sufficient for a particular purpose. For example, "He saved "a modest amount of money" for his retirement".

What are some alternatives to "a modest amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "a small quantity of", "a limited quantity of", or "a fair quantity of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a modest amount for" instead of "a modest amount of"?

The correct phrase is "a modest amount of". Using "for" instead of "of" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "a modest amount of" and "a minimal amount of"?

"A modest amount of" implies a small but adequate quantity, while "a minimal amount of" suggests the least possible quantity that is still acceptable or functional. The first indicates more sufficiency than the latter.