a modest gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is humble or not extravagant, often intended to show kindness or appreciation without being overly grand. Example: "She offered a modest gesture of thanks by bringing cookies to the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's a modest gesture alongside the pain and calamity that climate change is already wreaking.

The Guardian

The accelerated vote, to be followed within 90 days by parliamentary elections, appeared to be a modest gesture of government flexibility after nearly a year of the most sustained crackdown in the revolts of the Arab Spring.

The New York Times

He has also transcribed the stage directions from Chekhov on various gallery walls in faint pencil, a modest gesture to stimulate the mind's eye which turned out to be as distractingly self-conscious as any stage whisper.

The Guardian

Remembrance candles glowed at the site of the attack Monday evening, a modest gesture for two victims who died as differently as they lived.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

One further thought about the House Republicans and health care: In addition to being symptomatic of the Republican Party's larger policy problems, last week's defeat of a very modest gesture at something resembling a conservative approach to health care reform was illustrative of the particular problem of trying to rebuild the party's agenda from within the House of Representatives.

The New York Times

During the last one, she holds out her arms in a sweet, modest gesture that seems to say a lot about the kind of star she has become.

The Guardian

Like so much else in his "Ring," conducted by Kent Nagano at the Bavarian State Opera here, it is a simple, modest gesture.

The New York Times - Arts

In a more modest gesture, the Yankees on Tuesday announced that they would not raise ticket prices for spring training home games in Tampa, Fla., next March; those prices range from $17 to $31.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are fed up with Turkish movies that portray us as hairy, morally promiscuous and money-grubbing creatures," explained one.In a groundbreaking if modest gesture, Turkey's mildly Islamist prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, made a joint call last month with the main opposition leader, Deniz Baykal, for an impartial study by historians from both sides of the genocide debate.

The Economist

Her bare torso covered with a red blouse, the subject of "Modest Gesture" looks more like a deer frozen by oncoming headlights than a sexual being.

The New York Times

Coming after nearly a decade of cold war hostilities, the modest gesture ushered in an extraordinary new relationship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest gesture", ensure the context reflects sincerity and humility, avoiding situations where grander actions might be expected. It's ideal for describing small acts of kindness or conciliation.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest gesture" to describe actions with significant consequences or widespread effects. This can diminish the true impact and appear disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a modest gesture" is as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It describes an action or offering, emphasizing its understated nature. Ludwig's examples showcase this phrase used to characterize acts of conciliation or symbolic importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest gesture" is a noun phrase denoting a humble and understated action, typically intended to express goodwill or sincerity. Ludwig's analysis of various sources confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in news media. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the idea of a small, unassuming act, avoiding its application to actions with significant impact. While alternatives like ""a simple act"" or ""a token gesture"" exist, "a modest gesture" specifically highlights the humility behind the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a token gesture

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the symbolic and often minimal nature of the action.

a humble offering

Highlights the humility and lack of pretension behind the action.

a simple act

Focuses on the simplicity of the action, removing the connotation of humility.

an unpretentious deed

Emphasizes the sincerity and lack of artifice behind the action.

a small token

Emphasizes the symbolic value of the gesture as a representation of something more significant.

a restrained expression

Highlights the controlled and moderate nature of the expression.

an understated action

Focuses on the lack of ostentation or showiness in the action.

a low-key effort

Stresses the lack of fanfare or extravagance in the undertaking.

a slight indication

Emphasizes the subtlety and lack of forcefulness in the action.

a measured response

Highlights the careful and deliberate nature of the reaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest gesture" to describe a small act of kindness or reconciliation. For instance, "Offering a sincere apology was "a modest gesture" toward mending the broken relationship."

What are some alternatives to "a modest gesture"?

Alternatives include "a simple act", "a humble offering", or "a token gesture", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a significant action as "a modest gesture"?

Generally, no. The phrase "a modest gesture" implies a small, unassuming action. Describing a significant action this way might downplay its importance or come across as insincere. Consider using stronger terms to reflect the magnitude of the action.

What is the difference between "a modest gesture" and "a token gesture"?

While both imply a small action, "a modest gesture" emphasizes the humility or lack of extravagance behind it, while ""a token gesture"" suggests the action is primarily symbolic and may lack substantial impact.