a modest correction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest correction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or minor adjustment or change to something that has been stated or done. Example: "After reviewing the report, I would like to suggest a modest correction to the data presented in the second section."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I'm talking about something that's a modest correction, not something draconian," he said.

The New York Times

They are a modest correction against failures in algorithmic prioritisation on the indelible web.

The Guardian - Tech

Data rights are a modest correction against the pre-existing reality.

The Guardian - Tech

Of what he sees as a modest correction in the rental market, Mr. Longo said, "It's not a bad thing".

The New York Times

But I find it inconceivable that "smart and sleazy" bankers, in Mr. Brooks's words, didn't comprehend that housing prices were grossly inflated, and that even a modest correction in housing prices would cause the default of a great many mortgage-backed securities and huge payouts by financial institutions that had agreed to insure such securities through "derivative" contracts.

The New York Times

Hopefully there then would be a modest correction close to equilibrium rate, rather than an excessive correction and another a wild swing to an undervalued currency, as we had in the past.When Labour was re-elected last year, you spoke of the need for the independent Reserve Bank to vary its emphasis from strictly controlling inflation towards policies more encouraging of growth.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"This is a modest course correction, not what we were hoping for in terms of U.S. leadership," said Dr. Paul Zeitz, executive director of the Global AIDS Alliance, an advocacy group that had lobbied the administration for a $6 billion contribution.

The New York Times

The report also warned about "intra-euro-area imbalances" and said that "up to now, the crisis has led to a narrowing of current account differences within the euro-area, but only modest correction of past competitiveness divergences between member states".

The New York Times

Celebrating the continuing earnings fête thrown by various public tech companies, we dug into Tesla's results and ensuing (modest) correction, Facebook's big quarter and its rivalry with Snap, Square's own financial tally, and recent IPOs Cloudera — which after its conservative pricing has had a solid run — and Carvana, which has mostly fallen apart since its debut.

TechCrunch

Originally we were reasonably happy that the effect did survive modest correction, even with subjects being unconscious of the associations.

eLife

We show that even quite simple strategies are capable of eliminating fairly large fractions of sequencing errors at the cost of a modest amount of "over-correction".

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest correction", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being corrected and why. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest correction" when the change or adjustment is significant. Using it in such cases can diminish the true impact of the correction and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest correction" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes an action or process of making a small adjustment. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a minor change rather than a drastic overhaul. Examples show its use in describing market adjustments, course corrections and data revisions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest correction" is a phrase used to describe a small or minor adjustment. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, appearing in contexts such as news and media, science, and formal business settings, it conveys the idea of a limited or gentle change. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being corrected and avoid overstating the impact of the correction. Alternatives include "a slight adjustment" and "a minor change", offering options to tailor your language to the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight adjustment

Emphasizes the small degree of change or modification.

a minor adjustment

Highlights the insignificance of the change.

a small adjustment

Focuses on the limited size or extent of the correction.

a marginal revision

Highlights that the revision is on the margin of the topic at hand and unimportant.

a limited revision

Implies constraints or boundaries on the extent of the revision.

a partial amendment

Suggests that only a portion of the original item is changed.

a gentle revision

Suggests that the revision is careful, smooth and considerate.

a subtle alteration

Indicates a change that may not be immediately noticeable.

a light modification

Indicates that the modification is not particularly deep.

a minimal change

Emphasizes the very small amount of change applied.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest correction" to describe a small change or adjustment made to something. For example, "The report required "a modest correction" to its financial figures".

What's the difference between "a modest correction" and "a significant correction"?

"A modest correction" refers to a small or minor change, while "a significant correction" indicates a substantial or major change. The choice depends on the magnitude of the adjustment being made.

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

You can use alternatives like "a slight adjustment", "a minor change", or "a small revision" depending on the context.

Is "a modest correction" only used in formal writing?

"A modest correction" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly found in formal writing due to its precise and neutral tone.