a modest effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an effort that is not extraordinary or remarkable but still somewhat noteworthy. For example, "I made a modest effort to improve the presentation, but it was still not good enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is a modest effort.

The New York Times

A modest effort to raise $1,000 proved to just a beginning.

The New York Times - Sports

E: A modest effort where no one will stare at you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The president's order is a modest effort that, while possibly helpful, is unlikely to resolve the problem soon or entirely.

The New York Times - Health

In summation, Neil has made a modest effort to serve the communities in which he has lived.

The New York Times

A balanced program to secure weapons material and technology must include a modest effort to engage scientists with dangerous expertise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Mr. Keene declined to say how much money the coalition hoped to raise for a media campaign, but he suggested that it would be a relatively modest effort intended mainly to influence legislators.

The New York Times

Few Americans make movies about this country anymore, other than Mr. Eastwood, a man whose vitality as an artist shows no signs of waning, even in a nominally modest effort like "Gran Torino".

The New York Times

Deputy Mayor Robert M. Harding also expressed support for the plan, although he saw it as a more modest effort.

The New York Times

For now, the aim here is a more modest effort at localized control, but even that will not be easy.

The New York Times

I.B.M.'s research has been supported by a more modest effort financed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Pentagon office that supports futuristic science and technology.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest effort", ensure the context clearly indicates what the effort is directed towards. For instance, "a modest effort to improve fuel economy" is more informative than just "a modest effort".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the results of "a modest effort". It's crucial to accurately represent the scale of the action and its likely outcomes to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest effort" functions as a noun phrase that describes the nature of an attempt or undertaking. It indicates that the endeavor is limited in scope and not particularly ambitious. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest effort" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an action or undertaking that is limited in scope or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business communications. When using this phrase, it's important to accurately reflect the scale of the action and avoid exaggerating its impact. Related phrases include "a small attempt", "a minor endeavor", and "a limited undertaking".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small attempt

Emphasizes the limited scale of the undertaking.

a minor endeavor

Highlights the insignificance of the project or activity.

a limited undertaking

Stresses the restricted scope of the action.

a simple measure

Focuses on the uncomplicated nature of the action taken.

a basic attempt

Highlights the fundamental level of the try.

a light initiative

Indicates a mild or gentle approach to starting something.

a token gesture

Implies the effort is primarily symbolic rather than substantial.

a tentative step

Suggests the action is cautious and experimental.

a preliminary action

Highlights that the action is an initial step before more significant efforts.

a surface approach

Indicates that the effort does not delve deeply into the matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest effort" to describe an attempt that is not particularly ambitious or extensive. For example, "The company made "a modest effort" to reduce its carbon footprint by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs."

What are some synonyms for "a modest effort"?

Alternatives to "a modest effort" include "a small attempt", "a minor endeavor", or "a limited undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a modest effort" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the context aligns with the professional tone. In some cases, a more specific or detailed description might be preferable.

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

"A modest effort" implies a small-scale attempt, while "a significant effort" suggests a large-scale, substantial undertaking. The choice between the two depends on the scale and intensity of the action being described.