a modest contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or humble amount of help or support provided to a cause, project, or effort. Example: "Despite the challenges, I was able to make a modest contribution to the charity event, which helped raise awareness for the cause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Where an employer makes even a modest contribution, pension scheme take-up increases enormously.

The Guardian

In return, all that's expected is a modest contribution to petrol costs, or sometimes merely company.

The Guardian - Travel

"I saw what it was like," Mr. Steinhardt recalled, "and made a modest contribution".

The New York Times

If McCain wins, think of this column as a modest contribution to cheering up distraught liberals.

The New York Times

This movie might itself make a modest contribution to rewriting the history of white South Africa.

The Guardian - Film

This is not, I think, an insoluble problem, and as it happens, I have a modest contribution to offer.

The New York Times - Magazine

First, that health care, while crucial to individual survival, makes at best a modest contribution to population health.

The New York Times

Joint laxity was largely influenced by tunnel placement with a modest contribution of the pre-tensioning force.

Journal of Biomechanics

Toni Sacconaghi, a financial analyst for Sanford C. Bernstein research, thinks the watch will make only a modest contribution to Apple's bottom line this year.

The New York Times - Tech

While this might be a modest contribution in the wider context, it offers a bridgehead of principle from which progress can be made.

The Guardian

Back in 1972, a modest contribution to the McGovern campaign brought me a canvas shoulder bag with Senator George McGovern's name emblazoned on it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest contribution", ensure the context clearly indicates what the contribution is modest in relation to. This provides a clearer understanding of the scale and impact of the contribution.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest contribution" when the actual impact is substantial. Overstating modesty can undermine credibility and create a false impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest contribution" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses a limited or small amount of help or support. Examples show it describing contributions to various areas such as finances, ideas, or efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

27%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest contribution" is a noun phrase used to describe a contribution that is small in scale or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Its primary function is to downplay the significance of the contribution, often to express humility or manage expectations. It is commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the context makes clear what the contribution is modest in relation to, and avoid using it when the actual impact is substantial. Alternatives include "a small input", "a limited offering", or "a slight addition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small input

Replaces "contribution" with "input", emphasizing the action of providing something.

a limited offering

Substitutes "contribution" with "offering", suggesting something presented or given, and "modest" with "limited", indicating its extent.

a slight addition

Replaces "contribution" with "addition", focusing on the act of adding something small.

a minor part

Shifts the focus from the action of contributing to the significance of the contribution as being a small part of a larger whole.

a humble share

Replaces "modest" with "humble", emphasizing the unassuming nature of the contribution and "contribution" with "share", presenting it as a portion.

a token gesture

Highlights the symbolic or superficial aspect of the contribution, suggesting it's done more for appearance than impact.

a symbolic effort

Emphasizes that the contribution is more symbolic than substantial.

an insignificant amount

Focuses on the quantity of the contribution being small or negligible.

a marginal impact

Highlights that the contribution's effect or influence is minimal.

a drop in the bucket

Uses an idiom to illustrate how small and inconsequential the contribution is compared to the overall need.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest contribution" to describe a small or limited input to a project, cause, or discussion. For example, "My experience in project management was "a modest contribution" to the team's success".

What's a good alternative to "a modest contribution"?

Alternatives include "a small input", "a limited offering", or "a slight addition" depending on the specific context. These alternatives all suggest a limited or small amount of assistance.

What does it mean when someone says they made "a modest contribution"?

It typically means they provided some help or input, but they don't want to overstate its importance or significance. It suggests humility and a recognition that others may have contributed more significantly.

Is it better to say "small contribution" or "a modest contribution"?

Both are acceptable, but "a modest contribution" often carries a slightly more formal and humble tone than "small contribution". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.