a modest offering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest offering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or humble gift, contribution, or presentation. Example: "In appreciation of their support, we presented them with a modest offering of handmade crafts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

When the fund first offered shares, a modest offering of 2.5 million shares quickly ballooned to a total of 27 million, bringing the fund $247 million in capital and representing what was at the time the biggest offering in investment company history.

The New York Times

Tipping is a filthy foreign habit, of course, but Thai taxi drivers and waitresses won't object, if you give a modest offering of no more than 20 baht.

The Economist

Victoria Beckham's first collection, a modest offering of just six styles ($1,800 to $13,950), focuses on a central and alluring theme: 24 hours in the life of Victoria.

The New York Times

The ensemble presented its annual spring festival on Saturday evening at the Tenri Cultural Institute in Manhattan, and if it was a modest offering — just a concert really — it did provide a good overview of what these musicians find compelling.

The New York Times - Arts

They return again the week after and the week after that, each time with a modest offering of interest, and each time incrementally building a relationship of familiarity and trust.

The Guardian

You want to give something small, an object that says, "Hello, friend -- I'm a modest offering that bespeaks admiration and affection!" and not, "Beloved, transport me to a safe-deposit box, then hasten back to this woman, who shall be your destiny!" Mind you, I would never be arrogant enough to tell you what to buy.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Gerard Manley Hopkins's At the Wedding March is a more modest offering than Spenser's poem, but it seems more personal.

The Guardian - Books

Brightcove's debut — which at the midpoint of its price range will value the Web company at $290.1 million — will be a relatively modest offering.

The New York Times

When Sony entered the digital S.L.R. business by buying the remains of Konica-Minolta, it started out with a relatively modest offering aimed at the same consumer market as its popular point-and-shoot cameras.

The New York Times - Tech

A recent analysis by Goldman Sachs found that the effects of a federal minimum wage increase on employment levels would be relatively modest, offering a rosier view of the Democrats' proposal than a recent study from the Congressional Budget Office.

Huffington Post

He became an apostle of two leading ibogaine advocates, Dana Beal and Howard Lotsof, and began making a modest living offering addicts the ibogaine cure, typically sequestering them for days in hotel rooms while they hallucinated and vomited their way to sobriety.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest offering", ensure the context reflects humility or a limited quantity, aligning with the phrase's connotation of unpretentiousness.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest offering" to describe something of substantial value or impact; doing so undermines the phrase's intended meaning and can appear insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest offering" primarily functions as a noun phrase that includes an adjective. It describes something that is presented or given in a humble or limited manner. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase as grammatically correct, and real-world examples show its application in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest offering" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something presented in a humble or limited way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable, especially in News & Media. When writing, it is essential to ensure that the context aligns with the phrase's connotation of unpretentiousness, avoiding its use for anything of substantial value. Consider alternatives like "a small contribution" or "a humble gift" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small contribution

Focuses on the act of giving something of small value.

a humble gift

Emphasizes the giver's humility and the gift's unpretentious nature.

a limited selection

Highlights the restricted scope of available choices or items.

a token gesture

Implies that the offering is symbolic and not substantial.

a slight concession

Suggests a small compromise or yielding of something.

a minor donation

Focuses specifically on contributions of money or resources.

a basic amenity

Highlights the provision of something functional but not luxurious.

a simple present

Underscores the uncomplicated and unostentatious nature of the gift.

a limited edition

Refers to a short-run production of specific goods, it has an emphasis on exclusivity.

a conservative estimate

Emphasizes a careful and cautious assessment or calculation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest offering" to describe something small or humble that is given or presented. For instance, "The charity provided "a modest offering" of food and clothing to the refugees."

What are some alternatives to "a modest offering"?

Alternatives include "a small contribution", "a humble gift", or "a limited selection", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a modest offering" in a business context?

Yes, "a modest offering" can be suitable in a business context, especially when presenting something of limited scope or value, such as "a slight concession" during negotiations.

What's the difference between "a modest offering" and "a generous offering"?

"A modest offering" implies something small and humble, while "a generous offering" suggests something substantial and abundant. The choice depends on the actual scale and intention of what is being offered.