a modest one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not extravagant or excessive, often referring to size, amount, or quality. Example: "Her contribution to the project was a modest one, but it made a significant impact on the overall outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The effect of MDD on mortality appears to be a modest one, however, with a relative risk of approximately 1.4 [ 10].

BMC Psychiatry

Greg Kot is the best sort of music writer: a modest one, who actually does reporting.

The New York Times - Books

Lawyers for the A.C.L.U. said their request was a modest one.

The New York Times

But if Obama stages a rally, even a modest one, he could eke out a victory.

The New Yorker

But most subsequent studies found that the effect was only a modest one.

The New York Times - Magazine

The union's concept is a modest one, compared to the mayor's.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

His four children grew up in a modest one-family house with the Merckle name on the mailbox.

The New York Times

Shinjo signed a modest one-year deal with two option years.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1889 Northern Trust (36) opened a modest one-room office in Chicago's Loop.

Forbes

Xobni is expecting fairly broad uptake by its users, so it's pricing the upgrade at a modest one-time fee of $29.95.

TechCrunch

Many studies have found a correlation--albeit only a modest one--between the size of a person's brain and various measures of mental ability.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest one" when you want to convey that something is limited in scope, size, or impact, without being insignificant.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "a modest one" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the exact nature of the limitation or moderation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest one" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that something is limited in size, scope, or degree. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a modest one" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something of limited size, scope, or impact. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage spans diverse contexts from news and media to scientific publications. While versatile, it's essential to consider the specific context and opt for more precise language when necessary, particularly in formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "a small one" or "a humble one" may offer slightly different nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small one

This alternative emphasizes the size or quantity involved is limited.

a humble one

This alternative highlights the unpretentious and unassuming nature of something.

a limited one

This suggests that there are restrictions or constraints on something.

a moderate one

This alternative indicates a balanced or average level, avoiding extremes.

a simple one

This emphasizes the lack of complexity or sophistication.

a conservative one

This implies a cautious and restrained approach.

a slight one

This denotes something small or insignificant in degree or impact.

a reasonable one

This suggests fairness and appropriateness in scale.

a measured one

This highlights careful control and avoidance of excess.

an understated one

This implies a subtle and restrained quality, lacking ostentation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest one" to describe something that is limited in size, amount, or importance. For example, "The increase in sales was "a modest one" compared to last year's figures".

What can I say instead of "a modest one"?

You can use alternatives like "a small one", "a humble one", or "a limited one" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a modest one" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise term might be more appropriate to convey the specific nuance you intend.

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

"A modest one" suggests something is limited or moderate, while "a significant one" implies something is substantial and important. The choice depends on the degree of impact you want to convey.