a modest impact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest impact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effect or influence that is not large or significant, often in a neutral or understated manner. Example: "The new policy had a modest impact on employee productivity, leading to slight improvements over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It had a modest impact.

The New York Times - Science

At first, the story had a modest impact.

The New York Times

"We've seen a modest impact to prescription trends".

The New York Times

Increasing the minimum wage would have a modest impact on business operating costs and consumer prices.

University of California, Berkeley

The housing correction has, thus far, had only a modest impact on the broader economy.

The New York Times

Some analysts predicted that the legislation would have only a modest impact on education.

The New York Times

So far, these on-line services have had a modest impact on Hollywood's traditional casting system.

The New York Times - Tech

One could argue that even when it works, cognitive rehab has only a modest impact.

The New York Times - Health

Quasicrystals have so far had a modest impact in the everyday world.

The New York Times - Science

The first thing to notice is that the debates normally have a modest impact.

The New York Times

Previous studies have shown a modest impact of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on primary renal tumors.

European Urology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest impact", ensure the context supports the idea of a limited or moderate effect. This phrase is effective when you want to downplay the significance of something without dismissing it entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest impact" when the actual effect is substantial or significant. This can mislead the reader and undermine the credibility of your statement. Instead, opt for phrases like "a significant impact" or "a considerable effect" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest impact" functions as a noun phrase that describes the degree or extent of an effect or influence. It is typically used to qualify or limit the magnitude of an action or event, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

27%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a modest impact" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe an effect or influence that is limited or moderate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as a noun phrase to qualify the magnitude of an action, primarily serving the purpose of understatement or moderation. It's widely found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using "a modest impact", be sure to choose it deliberately to convey a sense of measured effect, avoiding overstatement. Remember to use alternative phrases like "a limited effect" or "a slight influence" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited effect

Focuses on the constraint or boundary of the effect.

a slight influence

Emphasizes the subtle nature of the impact.

a moderate effect

Highlights the balanced or average degree of the impact.

a marginal influence

Suggests the impact is barely noticeable or significant.

a tempered impact

Implies the impact has been softened or reduced.

a contained effect

Indicates the impact is restricted or localized.

a negligible consequence

Stresses that the impact is so small it's almost not worth considering.

a subtle change

Focuses on the understated or delicate nature of the impact.

a restrained influence

Conveys that the impact is deliberately kept under control.

a muted effect

Suggests the impact is quieted or suppressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest impact" to describe situations where the effect is limited or moderate. For example, "The new regulations had "a modest impact" on the company's profits."

What are some alternatives to "a modest impact"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a limited effect", "a slight influence", or "a moderate effect" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a modest impact" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood in professional, academic, and news contexts.

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

"A modest impact" indicates a limited or moderate effect, whereas "a significant impact" implies a substantial or important effect. The choice depends on the actual magnitude of the influence you're describing.