a modest gain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest gain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or moderate increase in something, such as profits, performance, or progress. Example: "The company reported a modest gain in revenue this quarter, indicating steady growth despite market challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Voser, 54, made the unexpected announcement as Shell reported first-quarter profit that reflected only a modest gain from a year earlier but still exceeded analysts' expectations.

The New York Times

Morgan Stanley eked out a modest gain.

The Economist

But underlying inflation showed only a modest gain.

The New York Times

Pfizer said it expected a modest gain for Lipitor this year.

The New York Times

Bonds continued to benefit from the turbulence in stocks yesterday, managing a modest gain.

The New York Times

That is a modest gain and slightly below the company's estimate of 172,000 in June.

The New York Times

Best Buy rose $4.75, to $69.19, while Solectron closed off 44 cents at $47.06, having posted a modest gain earlier.

The New York Times

The Dow Jones industrials were down, but the technology-laden Nasdaq composite index showed a modest gain.

The New York Times

The obvious signal was that the play was going to be a run, and it was, for a modest gain.

The New York Times - Sports

Overall the market celebrated five years since the start of the financial crisis with a modest gain.

The Guardian - Business

Economists were expecting a modest gain in productivity, which gauges the output each hour of all workers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, "a modest gain" can be used to objectively present research findings that show some improvement without overstating the results.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest gain" when the increase is substantial or significant. Instead, opt for phrases that accurately reflect the magnitude of the change, such as "a considerable increase" or "a significant improvement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest gain" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe an increase or improvement. It quantifies the extent of the increase, indicating that it is not substantial but still noteworthy. Ludwig examples support this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest gain" is a versatile phrase used to describe a small or moderate increase across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards professional usage. When writing, it's crucial to use this phrase accurately to reflect the true magnitude of the increase and avoid overstating the significance. Alternatives like "a slight improvement" or "a small increase" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight improvement

Replaces "gain" with "improvement", focusing on the positive change, subtly downplaying the magnitude.

a small increase

Uses more direct language, replacing "modest" with "small" for emphasis on size.

a marginal advantage

Suggests a gain that is barely noticeable, emphasizing the minimal impact.

a limited benefit

Highlights the restricted nature of the gain, focusing on its limitations.

a reasonable improvement

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the magnitude in relation to expectations.

a mild upturn

Implies a gentle reversal of a negative trend, with a connotation of economic improvement.

a noticeable but small profit

Directly states both the notability and the small size of the profit.

a gentle rise

Uses 'rise' as a synonym to 'gain', suggesting a smooth and gradual increase.

a tempered increase

Suggests that the increase is controlled or restrained in some way.

a controlled advancement

Implies a deliberate and measured gain, often in a strategic context.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a modest gain"?

You can use alternatives like "a slight improvement", "a small increase", or "a marginal advantage" depending on the context.

How to use "a modest gain" in a sentence?

"A modest gain" is typically used to describe a small or moderate increase in profits, performance, or progress. For example: "The company reported a modest gain in revenue this quarter."

Is "a modest gain" formal or informal?

"A modest gain" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for business reports, academic papers, and casual conversations.

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

"A modest gain" indicates a small or moderate increase, while "a significant gain" suggests a substantial and noteworthy increase. The choice between the two depends on the actual magnitude of the improvement.