a modest number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest number of" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you want to express that a specific amount of something is not vast or great, but rather small or moderate. For example, "Although I didn't get many votes from the public, I was really pleased that I got a modest number of likes on my post."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

McMaster's troops took a modest number of casualties.

The Washington Post

Instead of a modest number of growers supporting research, all growers will support research.

Cornell University

Only a modest number of trials measured immersion and presence explicitly.

Nature

That means your brain must only need a modest number of parallel computations.

MIT Technology Review

KCCI's clip of Trump's Iowa comments is on YouTube, with a modest number of viewers.

The Washington Post

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

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The New York Times - Tech

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The Economist

A modest number of hardbound copies were printed for the first issue of the first British edition.

Princeton University

A modest number of Internet service providers act as gateways to the Internet for a large majority of people.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a balanced tone, use "a modest number of" to indicate a quantity that is noticeable but not excessive. This phrase works well in reports, articles, and academic papers where precision is valued but extreme detail is unnecessary.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on phrases like "a modest number of" without providing context or comparison. While useful, it can be strengthened by adding relatable examples or comparisons, so the reader can better understand the magnitude you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest number of" functions as a quantifier, specifying an amount that is neither large nor negligible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely usable. It modifies a noun to indicate quantity without precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest number of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a quantity that is more than just a few but not a significant amount. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various writing styles, from formal reports to casual conversations. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While generally neutral, it's important to use it with context to give the reader a better understanding of the scale. Consider alternatives like "a few" or "several" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few

A shorter and more common alternative, though less descriptive than the original phrase.

a small quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity", emphasizing the amount rather than the count. Slightly less specific.

several

Indicates more than a few but not many. Less formal but conveys a similar sense of quantity.

a limited amount of

Focuses on the restriction in size or extent, rather than on the fact it is a number.

a fair few

More common in British English, suggests a slightly larger quantity than "a few".

a handful of

Implies the amount can be held in one hand; more informal and less precise.

some

Very general and can apply to both countable and uncountable nouns; lacks the specificity of "modest".

a smattering of

Implies a superficial or scattered distribution of items or knowledge.

a trickle of

Implies a very slow and continuous stream or flow, less about quantity and more about rate.

a sprinkling of

Suggests a light distribution, often used for things that are spread out rather than counted.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest number of" to describe a quantity that is small to moderate. For example, "A modest number of participants attended the workshop" indicates that the attendance was neither very high nor very low.

What are some alternatives to "a modest number of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a few", "several", "a small quantity of", or "a limited amount of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a modest number of" formal or informal?

"A modest number of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It offers a more precise and descriptive alternative to simpler terms like "some" or "a few", making it appropriate for professional writing while remaining understandable in everyday conversation.

How does "a modest number of" compare to "a significant number of"?

"A modest number of" indicates a relatively small quantity, while "a significant number of" suggests a quantity that is large enough to be noteworthy or important. The choice between the two depends on the impact or relevance of the quantity being described.