a modest opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest opportunity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a chance or possibility that is not overly ambitious or grand, but still valuable in some way. Example: "The internship offered a modest opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in their field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There is a modest opportunity cost there.

The Economist

The Canadian economy is about the size of California's — a modest opportunity at a time when the U.S. is opening few malls, but, then, California has Saks Fifth Avenue stores in only five cities.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Here was the most modest opportunity imaginable: an 8-8 record, three straight non-losing seasons, a respectable win streak to tote into the offseason.

The Washington Post

The Canadian economy is about the size of California's a modest opportunity at a time when the U.S. is opening few malls, but, then, California has Saks Fifth Avenue stores in only five cities.

The New Yorker

1 Braidwoods, Drumastle Mill Cottage, Dalry, Ayrshire (01294 833 544) Twelve years ago, Keith and Nicola Braidwood's whitewashed miller's cottage represented a place to live and a modest business opportunity not too far from Glasgow, with the fallback of getting a job in the city if the restaurant went belly up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is a place where small-town generosity and kindness collide with the political tensions of a growing xenophobia; where Hassoun, who arrived in July, has found a modest home and modest opportunities just blocks from the mansion occupied by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), one of many U.S. governors who wants to halt the resettlement of Syrian refugees in this country.

The Washington Post

In fact, some of the group's members do quite realistically win modest opportunities on the basis of their crazy reading.

The New Yorker

The United States and its wealthy allies will not eradicate poverty -- or defeat terrorism, for that matter -- by conspiring to deprive the world's poor farmers of even the most modest opportunities.

The New York Times

And democracy itself gave him, a "poor boy" from a modest background, the opportunity "to become a leader".

The New York Times

Over the past year, my colleagues and I have led a successful effort to extend a modest, new visa opportunity to Haitians, explicitly for earthquake relief.

The Guardian

If a player is cut from a major league baseball team in spring training, he can usually get a minor league job with another team, earning a modest living while waiting for opportunities to develop.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest opportunity", ensure that the context clearly indicates the area where this opportunity exists and the specific benefits it offers. This makes the statement more impactful and less vague.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential impact of "a modest opportunity". Overhyping it can lead to disappointment and mistrust. Accurately represent its limitations and realistic outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest opportunity" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" modifies the noun "opportunity". It identifies and characterizes a specific type of chance or possibility, suggesting it is not large or ambitious. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest opportunity" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a chance that is limited in scope but still valuable. Ludwig identifies it as a noun phrase that functions to characterize a specific type of opportunity. While its frequency is rare, it finds use across various contexts, including news, business and science, thus having a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context clarifies the opportunity's specific area and benefits, while avoiding exaggeration of its potential impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited chance

Highlights the restricted nature of the opportunity.

a small opening

Emphasizes the limited scope of the chance.

an unpretentious opportunity

Emphasizes lack of ostentation

a slight possibility

Focuses on the low probability of success.

a restrained possibility

Highlights a cautious or controlled opportunity

a reasonable chance

Highlights the fair probability of something happening.

a measured chance

Implies a carefully assessed or calculated opportunity

a tempered opportunity

Suggestion of moderated or adjusted expectations

a humble prospect

Stresses the unpretentious nature of the potential.

a minor scope

Underlines the limited extent of the chance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest opportunity" to describe a chance or possibility that is not overly ambitious or grand, but still valuable. For example: "The internship offered "a modest opportunity" for students to gain real-world experience."

What are some alternatives to "a modest opportunity"?

Alternatives to "a modest opportunity" include "a small opening", "a slight possibility", or "a limited chance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a modest opportunity" or "a significant opportunity"?

The choice between "a modest opportunity" and "a significant opportunity" depends on the actual scale and potential impact of the opportunity. Use "a modest opportunity" when the chance is small and not particularly impactful and "a significant opportunity" when the chance is substantial and could lead to major positive outcomes.

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

While both "a modest opportunity" and "a small opportunity" suggest something limited, "a modest opportunity" implies a certain level of potential, even if it's not huge, whereas "a small opportunity" might simply refer to the size or scope of the chance, without necessarily implying any inherent potential.