a modest period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duration of time that is not excessive or extravagant, often implying a sense of moderation or simplicity. Example: "The project will take a modest period to complete, allowing us to ensure quality without rushing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Other than that, there is nothing to stop firms paying off staff based on a legal minimum, including a notice period, that is so meagre it provides little insurance cover against even a modest period out of work.

The Guardian

In 1987 "Dirty Dancing," a modest period piece, set in the early 60's, about a young woman's liberation during a summer at a Catskills resort, took the entire country by surprise and surpassed more heavily promoted movies at the box office.

The New York Times

Consistent with these observations, excess Zn caused a modest period lengthening that was rescued by supplying additional Fe in the medium.

EMBO Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Holland-Kaye said the airport was entering a more modest period for investment, unless approval was granted for a new third runway.

The Guardian - Business

At first, most candidates benefit from a modest honeymoon period as people view them in mildly positive light.

University of California, Berkeley

Administration officials, however, say such a move would amount to a modest grace period bought at extravagant and wasteful expense.

The New York Times

This Afterle originally appeared on VICE US.

Vice

Other large-scale studies including the SENIORS trial [ 21] (n = 2, 128 patients, ≥70 years with LVEF ≤ 35% or recent hospital admission) have also shown that 6-MWT distance is an independent predictor of mortality over a modest time period (mean followup: 21 months) [ 21].

BioMed Research International

After that relatively modest period of creation, the artist would increase his output drastically, making sometimes 20 posters a year.

Vice

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02510.028 The hepatic core clock remained fully functional and showed only modest period lengthening of free-running rhythms (on average by 40 min) in Dicer knockout liver explants.

eLife

In contrast, the herbicide glufosinate ammonium (an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase) had a modest effect on period, although luciferase activity was very severely compromised (Supplementary Figure 16C), indicating that period lengthening was not an indirect consequence of antibiotic or herbicide sensitivity.

EMBO Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest period", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of understatement. Overusing it can dilute its impact, so reserve it for situations where subtle emphasis is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest period" when you actually mean a very short or insignificant duration. "Modest" implies a reasonable limitation, not necessarily a trivial one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest period" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "period". As indicated by Ludwig AI, it describes a duration of time that is neither excessive nor insignificant, suggesting a middle ground.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a modest period" describes a duration of time that is limited but not excessively short, indicating a middle ground. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including science, news media, and academia. While "a modest period" may not be as commonly used as other similar phrases, it offers a nuanced way to describe duration, emphasizing reasonableness and moderation. The key is to ensure that the level of modesty aligns with the overall tone of the communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moderate length of time

Replaces 'modest' with 'moderate' for emphasis on averageness.

a short time

Focuses on the brevity of the duration.

a limited duration

Highlights the restricted length of the time.

a brief interval

Emphasizes the short space between events.

a concise duration

Emphasizes the brevity and succinctness of the time.

a reasonable timeframe

Suggests the time is appropriate and not excessive.

a temperate span

Implies moderation in the length of time.

a contained interval

Highlights the controlled or restricted nature of the time.

a small window

Uses a visual metaphor to convey the limited opportunity.

a curtailed timeframe

Suggests the timeframe has been shortened or limited.

FAQs

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

Use "a modest period" to describe a duration that is limited but not excessively short, such as, "The project requires "a modest period" for completion".

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

You can use alternatives like "a short time", "a limited duration", or "a reasonable timeframe" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a modest period" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you want to convey understatement or moderation. However, ensure that the level of formality aligns with the overall tone of the document.

What's the difference between "a modest period" and "a brief period"?

"A modest period" suggests a reasonable or limited duration, whereas "a brief period" simply emphasizes the shortness of the time. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight limitation or brevity.