a modest number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is not large or excessive, often implying a sense of moderation or humility. Example: "The survey received a modest number of responses, indicating that more outreach may be necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a modest number, they thought.

The New York Times

There is now what he called "a modest number".

The New York Times

Westvleteren's popularity has created jobs, albeit a modest number.

The New York Times

It is a modest number, to be sure, but Mr. Magliocca is not complaining.

The New York Times

We are adding a modest number of faculty jobs (about 100).

The Guardian - Opinion

Some investors – probably a modest number – engage in entrepreneurial activity to the benefit of the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, she added, such policies seem to create only a "modest number" of affordable units.

The New York Times - Tech

It's a modest number, representing only about two million viewers in that demographic category.

The New York Times - Arts

For 150m years the bony fish were restricted to freshwater and a modest number of species.

The Economist

A modest number of these guest workers return to their countries of origin each year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

White House officials were frustrated that the Pentagon could not produce plans that involved a modest number of troops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest number", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being measured or counted. For instance, specify "a modest number of participants" rather than just "a modest number".

Common error

Avoid using "a modest number" when the actual quantity is insignificant or negligible. Using it in such cases can come across as misleading or disingenuous. If the number is truly tiny, consider using phrases like "very few" or "a minimal amount" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest number" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a quantity that is not large or excessive. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is used to downplay or soften the impact of the number being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a modest number" is a versatile expression used to describe a quantity that is not large, significant, or excessive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. The phrase conveys a sense of humility or understatement, making it suitable for formal and informal writing alike. Related phrases, such as "a small quantity" or "a limited amount", offer similar meanings while providing alternative word choices. When employing "a modest number", it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the level of modesty is appropriate and does not mislead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity

Replaces 'number' with the broader term 'quantity', emphasizing the amount rather than the count.

a limited amount

Focuses on the restriction or constraint in the quantity available.

a reasonable few

Suggests the amount is sufficient but not excessive, adding a layer of subjective judgment.

a handful

Provides a more concrete, visual sense of a small quantity.

a sprinkling

Implies a very sparse distribution or small number.

a slight few

Emphasizes the limited nature of the quantity.

a restricted amount

Highlights that something is kept under a certain limited level or amount.

a fair few

Indicates that a limited, but appreciable, quantity exists.

a token few

Suggests the number is small and perhaps symbolic.

a minimum amount

Highlights that the number can't go any lower, and it's as little as possible

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest number" to describe a quantity that is not large or excessive. For example, "A modest number of employees volunteered for the charity event".

What's the difference between "a modest number" and "a small number"?

While both phrases indicate a quantity that is not large, "a modest number" often implies a sense of understatement or humility, whereas "a small number" is more neutral.

What are some alternatives to "a modest number"?

You can use alternatives like "a limited quantity", "a small amount", or "a reasonable few depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a modest number" is suitable for formal writing, especially when aiming to convey a sense of restraint or to avoid exaggeration. However, be sure that your audience understands the quantity you are labeling as "modest".