a modest man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is humble and does not boast about their achievements or qualities. Example: "Despite his numerous accolades, he remains a modest man who prefers to let his work speak for itself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A modest dish for a modest man.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is not the study of a modest man.

The New York Times - Arts

(Mr Sisi was to be portrayed as a modest man).

The Economist

He is, to a fault, a modest man.

Independent

Weir is a modest man, unassuming, a gentleman.

The New Yorker

In my observation, Mitchell was a modest man.

The New York Times

For all his fame, however, Palmer was a modest man.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Jeremy, however, is not otherwise a modest man.

The New York Times

A great director, a forthright artist, a modest man.

The Guardian

Yamasaki, a modest man, was sure it was a typo.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He was a modest man--and yet his buildings are bold, clear and magnificent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a modest man", ensure that the context supports the attribution of humility or lack of boastfulness. Provide examples or situations that illustrate this modesty to strengthen your description.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest man" sarcastically or when the individual's actions clearly contradict the idea of modesty. Ensure that the description aligns with the overall portrayal of the person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest man" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "modest" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "man". As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe someone who is humble and does not boast about their achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest man" is a phrase used to describe someone who is humble and doesn't boast about their accomplishments. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally positive, it's important to ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of modesty. Alternatives include phrases like "a humble man" or "an unassuming man", offering nuanced ways to convey a similar sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a humble man

Replaces "modest" with "humble", emphasizing a sense of low self-regard.

an unassuming man

Focuses on the lack of pretension or outward display of importance.

a down-to-earth man

Similar to "grounded", focusing on a lack of pretense.

a self-effacing man

Emphasizes a tendency to downplay one's own achievements.

a simple man

Highlights a straightforward and uncomplicated nature.

a grounded man

Emphasizes a sense of being practical and realistic.

a reserved man

Suggests a quiet and restrained demeanor.

a quiet man

Highlights the lack of outward boasting or attention-seeking.

a demure man

Indicates shyness or reserve, often in a respectful manner.

a discreet man

Highlights the characteristic of being careful not to attract attention or cause offense.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest man" to describe someone who doesn't boast about their achievements. For example: "Despite his numerous awards, he remained "a modest man", always attributing his success to teamwork."

What are some alternatives to saying "a modest man"?

Alternatives include "a humble man", "an unassuming man", or "a self-effacing man", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe someone as "a modest man"?

Generally, yes, but it depends on the context. While modesty is often seen as a virtue, in some situations, it might be necessary for someone to assert their accomplishments. So, ensure the description fits the overall narrative.

How does "a modest man" differ from "a shy man"?

While both might exhibit reserved behavior, "a modest man" specifically refers to someone who downplays their achievements, whereas "a shy man" is generally reserved or uncomfortable in social situations, regardless of their accomplishments.