a modest explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explanation that is simple, not overly detailed, or humble in nature. Example: "The author provided a modest explanation of the complex theory, making it accessible to a wider audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Agatha Christie herself had a modest explanation for its enduring appeal.

The New York Times

The rookie offered a modest explanation; for fifteen years he had been a grave-digger in Woodlawn Cemetery.

The New Yorker

It's a modest explanation for the meticulous and cohesive performance that is Chrome Sparks in real time.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He has a characteristically modest explanation for its success: "Some people like the bad boy and some people like the boy next door, and he sort of manages to present both.

The Guardian

The first two draw on Mr Chandor's own background as the son of a banker and a competent sailor, which goes some way to explaining the accuracy of his depictions of financial and maritime storms.It was quite some feat for a rookie director to sign up a cast boasting the likes of Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci and Demi Moore, but Mr Chandor's own modest explanation is simple enough.

The Economist

They have found a set of patient characteristics of rather consistent effects but confirmed only modest explanation of patients' length of stay [ 8].

BMC Psychiatry

Childhood socioeconomic circumstances made a modest contribution to the explanation of adulthood CVD inequalities, mainly via their association with adulthood risk factors.

BMC Public Health

Childhood socioeconomic conditions made a modest contribution to the explanation of inequalities in CVD mortality, i.e. mainly via their association with adulthood risk factors (7% for men and 8% for women).

BMC Public Health

Second, we assessed only the common variation within the NFE2L2 gene, and they would contribute to an explanation of only a modest fraction of the genetic component of the syndrome.

Critical Care

This may seem like a modest improvement, but the quality of the explanations was far more sophisticated after instruction.

CBE Life Sciences Education

The official explanation is that he is simply a modest sort of chap.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest explanation" when you want to convey that the explanation is not exhaustive or overly complex, often implying humility or a lack of pretension on the part of the explainer.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest explanation" in highly formal or technical writing where a comprehensive and detailed explanation is expected. In such cases, opt for more precise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" modifies the noun "explanation". As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the nature of the explanation, indicating it is simple or understated.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest explanation" is a noun phrase used to describe an explanation that is simple, understated, or humble. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase is relatively rare, it is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that "a modest explanation" is suitable for situations where humility or avoiding overstatement is desired, but it may not be appropriate in contexts requiring comprehensive detail. Alternatives such as ""a simple explanation"" or ""a brief explanation"" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple explanation

Focuses on the ease of understanding rather than the degree of humility.

a brief explanation

Emphasizes the conciseness of the explanation.

a concise explanation

Highlights the succinctness and clarity of the explanation.

an understated explanation

Highlights the lack of emphasis or elaboration in the explanation.

a humble explanation

Emphasizes the lack of pretension or arrogance in the explanation.

a plain explanation

Focuses on the lack of complexity or embellishment in the explanation.

a basic explanation

Emphasizes the fundamental or elementary nature of the explanation.

a limited explanation

Highlights the restricted scope or depth of the explanation.

a superficial explanation

Suggests a lack of thoroughness in the explanation.

a tentative explanation

Implies the explanation is offered with uncertainty or caution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest explanation" to describe a simple or understated reason for something. For example: "He offered "a modest explanation" for his success, attributing it to hard work and luck."

What are some alternatives to "a modest explanation"?

Some alternatives include "a simple explanation", "a brief explanation", or "an understated explanation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a modest explanation"?

It's appropriate when the explanation is intentionally kept simple and avoids being overly detailed or boastful. It is commonly used to express humility or to avoid overstating a claim.

Is "a modest explanation" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more suitable for situations where a less assertive tone is preferred.