a modest measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest measure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or moderate action, step, or amount taken in a particular context. Example: "The committee decided to implement a modest measure to improve community engagement, such as hosting monthly meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It will be a modest measure.

The Economist

The neighborhood does claim a modest measure of wider fame — but it is seasonal, and summer is the wrong season.

The New York Times

With the Obama administration still reviewing options, the State Department announced a modest measure on Wednesday to help the opposition.

The New York Times

He signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2002 season and had, as his father said, "a modest measure of success".

The New York Times - Sports

If Walters had possessed a modest measure of such judgment, he might have rescued himself and the town of Jena from notoriety many months ago.

The New Yorker

In time, she would also look at an older immigrant who had never been a waitress, but had worked hard to achieve a modest measure of success.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

On Thursday, the House passed a very modest measure to end a tax withholding program, one that had yet to affect a single American, but which President Obama has agreed should go.

The New York Times

Promisingly, the Chinese bank regulator announced draft rules in May to allow domestic and foreign institutions to set up consumer-finance firms to offer personal loans for consumer-goods purchases.These measures are a modest step in the right direction.

The Economist

It now heads to a conference committee to be reconciled with a more modest measure endorsed by the White House and major manufacturers that was unanimously passed in December by the House.

The New York Times

A more modest measure proposed by President Clinton last year would have set aside $1.4 billion a year for "land legacy" programs, and some lawmakers have criticized the House bill as a unwise blow to budget discipline.

The New York Times

For Mr. Toomey, a Republican toiling in a swing state chock-full of suburban women who often favor gun safety legislation, a relatively modest measure to expand background checks seemed both politically viable and in need of a Republican imprimatur.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest measure", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and its relative insignificance compared to a larger, potential solution. Be specific about the area it impacts for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest measure" when the action has a significant impact. This can create a false impression and undermine the credibility of your writing. Choose words that accurately reflect the scale and effect of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest measure" functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. It identifies a specific action, step, or quantity that is characterized by its limited or moderate nature. Ludwig examples confirm its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest measure" is a noun phrase used to describe something limited in scope or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in news, science, and business contexts. When writing, it's important to use "a modest measure" when you actually want to express limitations and not create confusion when the impact has significant effects. Alternatives such as "a small step" or "a slight adjustment" can be used depending on the particular nuance you want to convey. It indicates a careful approach to communication in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited action

Emphasizes the restricted scope of the action taken.

a small step

Highlights the incremental nature of the progress.

a slight adjustment

Focuses on the minor modification made.

a measured approach

Implies a careful and deliberate way of proceeding.

a reasonable step

Suggests the action is sensible and practical.

a conservative estimate

Indicates a cautious and moderate calculation.

a minimal effort

Highlights the reduced amount of work involved.

a token gesture

Implies the action is symbolic and not substantial.

a tentative plan

Highlights the experimental and uncertain nature of the proposal.

a pilot project

Suggests that the effort is more like a trial run or feasibility study than something with long term impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest measure" to describe something that is limited in scope or amount. For instance, "The government implemented "a modest measure" to reduce carbon emissions".

What are some alternatives to "a modest measure"?

Some alternatives include "a small step", "a slight adjustment", or "a limited action", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a modest measure" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing policies, strategies, or assessments that involve limited or moderate actions.

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

"A modest measure" implies a small or limited change, while "a significant change" indicates a substantial or major alteration. Use "a modest measure" when the change is relatively minor and "a significant change" when the impact is considerable.