a modest data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest data" is not correct in standard written English.
The word "data" is typically treated as a plural noun in formal contexts, so it should be "modest data" without the article "a." Example: "The study presented modest data on the effectiveness of the new treatment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Here's where it gets really cool: it all comes together in a little algorithm I'd like to call a "modest data proposal".

The New York Times

It lived the first few years of its life in a rather humble form; black text spilled across the white background, with a modest data set of around 50,000 transactions.

TechCrunch

However, many general descriptive features can be elucidated even with a modest data collection.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Generalized Watershed Loading Function (GWLF), a typical watershed model with modest data requirements, has been applied to watershed-scale hydrochemical estimation worldwide.

Journal of Hydrology

This higher sensitivity in GWAS would logically come from a higher effective sample size due to imputation, with a modest missing data problem at the same time.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

As Figure 7A suggests, for γ < 0.2 (i.e., markers with a modest missing data problem) there were generally small differences in significance (− log 10 (p ) ) from (CC) to (MI*), but some opportunity for a few outstanding gains in significance, with increases of up to 8.08 in − log 10 (p ) (for the association between marker TP87762 and TSC; see next paragraph and Table 7).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

To date (December 2010), genomic information in ferns is limited to a genetic linkage map [ 6] and a modest EST data set comprised of about 5,000 Sanger cDNA sequences [ 7] for Ceratopteris richardii, just over 30,500 ESTs for Adiantum capillus-veneris [ 8], and over 2,600 ESTs in Osmunda lancea [ 9].

BMC Genomics

However, with modest data requirements, it gives an estimate of the potential health effects of a policy proposal.

BMJ Open

The ReNuMa (Regional Nutrient Management) model, a semi-empirical, semi-process-oriented model with modest data requirements, has been widely used for riverine N source apportionment.

Journal of Hydrology

Bottom line: even though the iPhone 5c is a shiny new iPhone, it's not a flagship iPhone so the owners of this device have more modest data consumption habits (on average).

TechCrunch

A compressed representation of the bump allows recording them in a smartphone with frugal storage and transmitting them to the central server with very modest data size.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to data, ensure that the quantity is clearly specified. Instead of "a modest data", use "a small amount of data" or "limited data" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the indefinite article "a" with the noun "data" when intending to express a limited quantity. Data is generally treated as a plural or non-count noun, so use "modest data" or "a small amount of data" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to function as an adjective-noun pair, where "modest" describes the extent or quantity of "data". However, as Ludwig AI points out, the presence of the article "a" makes the phrase grammatically incorrect in standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a modest data" attempts to describe a limited amount of information, it's grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI suggests that "data" is typically treated as a plural or non-count noun, so the article "a" should be omitted. Better alternatives include "modest data", "small amount of data", or "limited data". Although examples exist in science and news media, adhering to correct grammatical structure enhances clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small amount of data

Uses a more common and grammatically correct construction to indicate a limited quantity of data.

limited data set

Synonymous substitution emphasizing the finite collection of information

limited dataset

Replaces the adjective "modest" with "limited", focusing on the restricted nature of the data.

restricted data

Highlights the constrained or limited nature of the data available.

small collection of data

Rephrases using "collection" to highlight the group aspect of the data.

minimal data

Emphasizes the very small or bare minimum amount of data.

scant data

Indicates a lack of sufficient data, implying scarcity.

meager data

Highlights the data's inadequacy or deficiency.

a handful of data

Suggests an extremely small and easily managed amount of data.

a trickle of data

Implies a slow and limited flow of information.

FAQs

How to correctly use the phrase "modest data" in a sentence?

Since "data" is often treated as a plural noun, it's better to say "modest data" without the article "a". For example, "The study presented modest data on the treatment's effectiveness".

What are some alternatives to the grammatically incorrect phrase "a modest data"?

You can use alternatives like "small amount of data", "limited data", or "restricted data" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a modest data" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "a modest data" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use "modest data", "limited data set", or "small collection of data" for better clarity and correctness.

What does "modest data" mean, and how should I use it in research writing?

"Modest data" refers to a small or limited amount of data. In research writing, it's used to acknowledge the limitations of the dataset. Ensure you use the phrase without the article "a" for grammatical accuracy.