a modest difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insignificant variation between two or more things. Example: "The two models have a modest difference in price, making the decision easier for budget-conscious consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This suggests that when analysing pooled data across different hospitals case-mix adjustment may make a modest difference to the analysis.

BMC Health Services Research

But the proposals could make a modest difference.

The New York Times

And while some prominent manufacturers, like Dell and Hewlett-Packard, have agreed to recycle their own equipment, such programs have so far made only a modest difference.

The New York Times

In Syria, it seems to me that cruise missile strikes might make a modest difference, by deterring further deployment of chemical weapons.

The New York Times

The IFS used its post-budget analysis to spell out what was in store for Whitehall departments, but said there appeared to be only a modest difference between the plans of the two main parties.

The Guardian

Scientists who oversaw government culling trials and made economic assessments concluded last year that killing badgers would make only "a modest difference" in TB in cattle, and could not meaningfully contribute to future control of the disease.

The Guardian

That is a modest difference, to be sure, but it is getting late enough in the campaign — and the election is so close — that these modest differences can potentially matter when averaged across a number of surveys.

The New York Times

Today, I'm dismayed that so many liberals, disillusioned by Iraq, seem willing to let an average of 165 Syrians be killed daily rather than contemplate missile strikes that just might, at the margins, make a modest difference.

The New York Times

The incumbent was ahead by an average of five percentage points in polls conducted just after his convention, but eventually won the election by an average of three points, only a modest difference.

The New York Times

But even though it remains unclear how dire the outlook is -- on Friday the government reported that the economy expanded at a reasonably healthy 2percentt annual rate in the first three months of the year -- the stimulus package has ballooned to somewhere between $60 billion and $85 billion, enough to make a modest difference.

The New York Times

But because these negotiated ceilings are so much higher than the tariffs countries actually impose, even quite big cuts can make only a modest difference to trade.In rich countries, for example, the farm tariffs actually imposed would have fallen from 15% on average to 11%, according to the two economists.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data sets, use "a modest difference" to acknowledge small variations without overstating their significance. This conveys precision and avoids misleading interpretations.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "a modest difference". Ensure your analysis accurately reflects the scale of the variation; otherwise, you risk misrepresenting your findings and potentially misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest difference" functions as a qualifier, typically acting as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It describes the extent or degree of difference between two or more items, emphasizing that the difference is not substantial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a modest difference" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a slight or small distinction between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to convey that the difference is not substantial or significant. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase serves to provide a balanced and accurate depiction of comparative assessments. When using "a modest difference", ensure that the context warrants this subtle nuance and avoid exaggerating the implications of the distinction. Alternatives like "a slight variation" or "a small discrepancy" can offer similar meanings, depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight variation

Focuses on the degree of change being small and subtle.

a small discrepancy

Implies a minor inconsistency or divergence.

a marginal distinction

Highlights that the difference is barely noticeable or significant.

a subtle contrast

Emphasizes the delicacy and understated nature of the difference.

a minor alteration

Suggests a small change or modification.

a limited distinction

Highlights the restricted extent or scope of the dissimilarity.

an inconsequential divergence

Conveys that the difference has little practical effect or importance.

a negligible disparity

Indicates the inequality or variance is almost imperceptible.

a trifling variation

Implies the difference is so small it is hardly worth considering.

a hairline fracture

It's a metaphorical phrase. Instead of saying that there is a slight difference it uses a simile.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest difference" to describe a small or insignificant variation between two or more things. For example: "There was "a modest difference" in the test scores between the two groups."

What are some alternatives to "a modest difference"?

Some alternatives include "a slight variation", "a small discrepancy", or "a marginal distinction", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a modest difference" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a small variation without exaggeration.

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

"A modest difference" indicates a small and relatively unimportant variation, while "a significant difference" implies a substantial and noteworthy variation that likely has important implications.