a modest hit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest hit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something, such as a movie, song, or product, that has achieved a moderate level of success or popularity, but not an overwhelming one. Example: "The film was a modest hit at the box office, earning just enough to cover its production costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Beginners" was a modest hit; "Thumbsucker" was not.

The New Yorker

His new movie is even a modest hit.

The Guardian - Film

Opel's minivan, the Zafira, has been a modest hit.

The New York Times

Mr. Zucker said NBC expected to take "a modest hit".

The New York Times

Although not as popular as Walters's earlier productions, the film was a modest hit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Grimm" is a modest hit on Friday — can it move to another night?

The New York Times

Disney instead hired Mr. Hancock, whose first film, "The Rookie," had become a modest hit.

The New York Times

He co-starred with Brenda Blethyn in "Saving Grace," a modest hit in 2000.

The New York Times - Arts

Although the film failed to match the success of their earlier collaborations, it was still a modest hit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1949, he had a modest hit with his song "Rosebuds and You," which was later covered by several performers.

The New York Times - Arts

Ford Motor, which most analysts see as the best stock of the lot, has taken only a modest hit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest hit" to describe something that has achieved a level of success that is noticeable, but not extraordinary or groundbreaking.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest hit" when describing something that was unequivocally unsuccessful, or a massive success. Ensure the scale of success aligns with the 'modest' qualifier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest hit" functions as a noun phrase, where 'modest' is an adjective that modifies the noun 'hit'. It describes the degree or extent of success achieved by something. Ludwig shows its prevalence in describing the success of creative works and business ventures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a modest hit" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that has achieved a reasonable level of success, without being a blockbuster. Ludwig's analysis confirms its frequent use in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal communication where a neutral assessment is needed. When using this phrase, ensure the described entity's success aligns with the 'modest' qualifier, avoiding overstatement or misrepresentation. Related phrases like "a moderate success" and "a mild success" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moderate success

Focuses on the outcome of success rather than the impact.

a mild success

Emphasizes the limited degree of success.

a limited triumph

Highlights the restricted nature of the achievement.

a small accomplishment

Underscores the scale of the achievement as being relatively minor.

a reasonable achievement

Suggests the success was expected or justifiable.

a fair attainment

Indicates a satisfactory but not outstanding level of success.

a slight victory

Highlights the marginal nature of the win.

a decent outcome

Focuses on a satisfactory result, without great excitement.

a passable feat

Conveys a sense of accomplishment that is just acceptable.

a humble achievement

Emphasizes the unassuming nature of the success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest hit" to describe the performance of a movie, song, product, or any endeavor that has achieved a moderate level of success. For example, "The film was "a modest hit" at the box office, earning enough to cover its costs".

What are some alternatives to "a modest hit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a moderate success", "a mild success", or "a limited triumph".

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

Yes, "a modest hit" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing business, entertainment, or cultural topics. It is a neutral and clear way to describe a moderate level of achievement.

What distinguishes "a modest hit" from "a major success"?

"A modest hit" signifies a level of achievement that is notable but not outstanding or transformative. It implies a reasonable degree of success without reaching blockbuster status, unlike "a major success".