a modest figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not overly extravagant or showy, often implying humility or simplicity. Example: "Despite his wealth, he is known for being a modest figure in the community, often choosing to live a simple life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Jimmy Carter cuts a modest figure in person.

The Guardian

Mr. Hegarty himself was a modest figure within the larger tableaus, sometimes very still, sometimes gesturing.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a modest figure, to be sure, but it was the third positive figure in a row.

The New Yorker

Despite her global prominence, Mrs. Merkel, an East German physicist turned politician, cuts a modest figure in Berlin.

The New York Times

When finished, it will cover more than 27,000 square feet -- a modest figure, by medieval standards -- and reach a height of 95 feet.

The New York Times - Arts

He can speedily recommend a 3percenttaxax decrease down the line, a modest figure, the uniform application of which would help in restoring conservative philosophical confidence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

In "Ian Fleming, Corporate England and the Ruins of Modernism," he argues that Bond suffers from an identity crisis: Despite Bond's fame in a postwar consumerist arena, he is, at least in the fiction, a surprisingly modest figure and a barely personalized one.

The New York Times

While the $35 million FiveAI has raised to date is considered the highest amount of funding for an autonomous car company in Europe, it is a very modest figure when compared to startups in the US and China.

TechCrunch

Mr. Zechory, 28, cuts a more modest figure.

The New York Times

Fehn remained a quiet, modest figure, genteel, generous, ruggedly handsome and utterly dedicated to his work.

The Guardian - Arts

It's a quaintly modest figure compared with what two 20-something students at the hearing face.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When quantifying something, "a modest figure" indicates a relatively small amount compared to expectations or alternatives. For example, "The initial investment was a modest figure compared to the projected profits."

Common error

Avoid using "a modest figure" to describe someone who is simply shy or introverted. Modesty implies a deliberate downplaying of one's qualities or achievements, not merely a lack of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest figure" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the qualities of a person or the size of a numerical value. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a modest figure" is a grammatically correct and usable expression. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is appropriate to describe someone who is not extravagant or showy, implying humility or simplicity. It can also refer to a small quantity. While "a modest figure" isn't extremely frequent, it is commonly found in news and media sources. When describing a person, consider alternative phrases like "a humble person" or "an unassuming presence". When referring to a quantity, "a small number" may be suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a humble person

Replaces 'modest' with 'humble', focusing on character rather than appearance or quantity.

an unassuming presence

Focuses on the lack of ostentation or pretension in someone's bearing.

a self-effacing person

Highlights the quality of downplaying one's own achievements.

an unpretentious character

Stresses the lack of showiness or affectation.

a simple individual

Substitutes 'modest' with 'simple' and 'figure' with 'individual', emphasizing lack of complexity.

a discreet presence

Highlights the quiet and unobtrusive nature.

a low profile

Emphasizes avoiding attention or prominence.

a small number

Replaces the abstract 'figure' with the concrete 'number', suitable when referring to quantities.

a negligible amount

Focuses on the insignificance of a quantity.

a conservative estimate

Highlights caution and understatement in a calculation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest figure" to describe someone who is humble and doesn't boast about their achievements, or to refer to a small quantity or amount. For example: "Despite his wealth, he remained "a modest figure"." Or "The initial investment was a modest figure compared to the overall cost."

What's the difference between "a modest figure" and "a humble person"?

While both terms relate to humility, "a modest figure" can refer to either a person or a numerical value, while "a humble person" specifically refers to someone who is not arrogant or boastful. The term "a humble person" focuses more on character than physical appearance or numerical values.

When is it appropriate to use "a modest figure" to describe an amount?

It's appropriate when the amount is relatively small or lower than expected. For example, "The company's initial profit was "a modest figure", but it's expected to increase in the coming months."

What are some alternatives to "a modest figure"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a humble person" (if referring to someone's character), "a simple individual", "a small number" (if referring to quantity), or "an unassuming presence".