a modest job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a job that is not overly ambitious or grand, often implying simplicity or a lack of extravagance. Example: "After years of working in high-pressure environments, she decided to take on a modest job that allowed her to enjoy a better work-life balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It is a modest job description, but for many folk musicians, it is accurate.

The New York Times

He settled, instead, for a modest job with the British-run public works department.

The New York Times - Books

It is a modest job with the power to advise on developments and appoint members to city boards, including community boards in the borough.

The New York Times

Amazon has promised in a non-binding agreement to help fund a modest job training program and set aside space for a tech startup incubator.

The Guardian - Tech

In early March, I started asking around, calling garden centers, searching the Internet and asking friends for recommendations of a good landscape designer willing to take on a modest job.

The New York Times

A year after coming to the United States, he went back to Trinidad to marry, returning six months later with his wife to a modest job at the hat shop — it was across the street then, at 1155 Fulton Street — and a small one-bedroom apartment at Jefferson and Throop Avenues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Until passage of a modest jobs bill this week, cooperation across the aisle had not been a feature of the current Senate, as Senator Evan Bayh, Democrat of Indiana, complained in announcing he had had enough and wanted out.

The New York Times

As a consequence of modest job growth, over-all employment is still well below where it was when the Great Recession began.

The New Yorker

The actual record of the Bush years was (i) two and half years of declining employment, followed by (ii) four and a half years of modest job growth, at a pace significantly below the eight-year average under Bill Clinton, followed by (iii) a year of economic catastrophe.

The New York Times

And the government said on Thursday that weekly jobless aid applications had risen to 354,000, a level consistent with modest job gains.

The New York Times

There has already been a huge trade-union backlash against what, by international standards, have been decidedly modest job cuts by a few large firms.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest job" when you want to downplay the importance or complexity of a particular role or task. It's useful for setting realistic expectations or avoiding overstatement.

Common error

While "a modest job" implies simplicity, avoid using it in a condescending way. Focus on the positive aspects or the specific skills required, rather than solely emphasizing its lack of complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest job" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "job". It is used to describe the characteristics of the work involved, often implying it is simple, low-pressure, or lacking in ambition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest job" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, which describes work that is simple or unpretentious. While not overly frequent, it appears in reputable sources, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. It is most often used to describe or manage expectations about the nature of the work. Alternatives like "a simple occupation" or "a humble position" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use the phrase appropriately, avoiding condescension and highlighting the positive aspects of the role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple occupation

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of the work.

a humble position

Highlights the lack of importance or status associated with the job.

a low-key role

Focuses on the unobtrusive and understated nature of the job.

an unassuming task

Stresses the lack of pretension or ambition involved.

a basic employment

Indicates the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the work.

a small-scale job

Refers to limited resources, skills, or complexity associated with the job.

an entry-level post

Implies it's a first job, or requires minimal qualification.

a menial labor

Conveys the idea of low-skilled or tedious work.

an unglamorous work

Highlights the absence of prestige or excitement in the role.

a non-executive function

Stresses it's an everyday job, not a high-level or important function.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest job" to describe a role that is simple, unpretentious, or limited in scope. For example: "He took "a modest job" at the local library to have more free time."

What are some alternatives to "a modest job"?

Alternatives include "a simple occupation", "a humble position", or "an entry-level post", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a modest job" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a modest job" is generally suitable for formal writing, particularly when you need to accurately and neutrally describe a role that is not particularly demanding or prestigious. However, consider the context and choose the most precise alternative if necessary.

What's the difference between "a modest job" and "a challenging job"?

"A modest job" implies simplicity and a lack of complexity, while "a challenging job" suggests difficulty and demanding requirements. The two phrases are antonyms and represent opposite ends of the spectrum regarding job characteristics.