a modest extension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest extension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or reasonable increase or addition to something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The committee approved a modest extension of the project deadline to accommodate unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The new announcement, for all the fanfare and bluster, is a modest extension.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only time will tell if that is the tip of the privatisation iceberg, or a modest extension of that sector's current share of the NHS's £100bn cake.

The Guardian

Now, amid fears of deflation, soaring unemployment, plummeting stock prices and deep consumer anxiety, lawmakers are leaving town having approved only a modest extension of jobless benefits.

The New York Times

The bank's officials have argued, in increasingly hysterical tones, that any tampering with Greek debt, even a modest extension of maturities, would be a catastrophe.

The Economist

Some have produced legislative compromise (in 1980, lawmakers established the Superfund and settled a major Alaskan land dispute) and some have been a bust (in 2008, lawmakers slunk home, having approved only a modest extension of jobless benefits).

The New York Times

Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, had already said he would retain most of Mr. Bush's middle-class tax cuts and many Democratic lawmakers said they would vote for a modest extension of the tax cuts even if the extension was not paid for.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

At first sight it might appear far-fetched to introduce a Europe-wide BIC (for EU countries), but similar schemes already exist in most European countries and might be thought of as a rather modest extension of current policies.

Unicef

The museum's administrators do not blame Calatrava for the expense of their acquisition, pointing out that his design was so successful as a fund-raising tool that the original plans for a much more modest extension were expanded as additional money became available.

The New Yorker

The head frill of Protoceratops was a modest backward extension of two cranial arches, but it became the enormous fan-shaped ornament of later forms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rather, high-glucose diet specifically protected male mobility with age and produced a modest lifespan extension in males.

Aging

Furthermore, a recent study that re-assessed the lifespan of heterozygous IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) mice found only a modest 5% extension in the mean lifespan of female mice (Bokov et al, 2011), which is also comparable with that seen in male p110αD933A/WT mice.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest extension" when you want to downplay the significance of an increase or addition, suggesting it's reasonable and not excessive. This is particularly useful in formal reports or proposals where you want to avoid alarming stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest extension" when the actual change is substantial. Misrepresenting the scale of the extension can undermine your credibility and lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest extension" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a limited or reasonable increase, and it is commonly used in formal contexts to downplay the scale of changes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest extension" is a noun phrase used to describe a small or reasonable increase or addition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. It's important to use this phrase when the extension is genuinely modest to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like "slight expansion" or "small addition" may be suitable depending on the specific context. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone, making it appropriate for formal communication where precision and understatement are valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight expansion

Implies a minor increase in size or scope, focusing on the physical or abstract growth.

small addition

Emphasizes the act of adding something of limited size or impact.

limited increase

Highlights the restricted nature of the growth or quantity.

minor adjustment

Suggests a small change made to improve something.

reasonable augmentation

Indicates a sensible increase or addition, often in a formal setting.

measured increment

Conveys a carefully controlled and small increase.

conservative expansion

Highlights a cautious and restrained approach to growth.

slight modification

Focuses on a small alteration or change in form or quality.

incremental addition

Emphasizes that the addition is gradual and in small steps.

marginal increase

Suggests that the increase is barely noticeable or significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest extension" to describe a small or reasonable increase in something, such as "The committee approved "a modest extension" of the deadline."

What are some alternatives to saying "a modest extension"?

Alternatives include "slight expansion", "small addition", or "limited increase", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a modest extension" is suitable for formal writing because it clearly and professionally communicates a limited increase or addition without exaggeration.

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

"A modest extension" implies a small, reasonable increase, while "a significant expansion" suggests a much larger, more impactful growth or addition.