a modest plan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest plan" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a plan that is simple, unambitious, or not overly elaborate. Example: "After much consideration, we decided to implement a modest plan that would gradually improve our services without overwhelming our resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, a Republican, withdrew a modest plan for new offshore drilling shortly after the gulf accident.

The New York Times

We believe that loyalty is a fine and noble virtue, and we serve notice that we have initiated a modest plan to encourage its spread.

The New Yorker

Unable to visit Bruichladdich — unable, anymore, even to enjoy its whisky — Reynier devised a modest plan to save his favorite spirit: he would buy the distillery.

The New Yorker

He has proposed to the Chinese government what he said was a modest plan that would make Tibet an autonomous region within China.

The New York Times

It is a modest plan, but it goes against the stability pact that holds countries in the euro zone to strict fiscal discipline.

The New York Times

Last month she unveiled a modest plan for reform, and some experts applaud her efforts to get a grip on a fast-deteriorating situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Having abandoned a green-inspired policy of opposing almost all new road schemes in its first few years in power, the government now plans a modest programme of road-building.

The Economist

Mr. Cantor and the speaker had been dancing around each other on the debt talks for a few weeks, and Mr. Cantor's call at the White House for a more modest plan seemed an attempt to put some distance between himself and the speaker should Mr. Boehner get too far ahead of House Republicans.

The New York Times

Don't mistake reticence for lack of ambition, nor a seemingly modest plan for a lack of confidence.

TechCrunch

Instead, Mr. Touré said, he was focusing on a more modest plan, one that could be a step toward an exchange: the creation of a real-time database detailing the flow of traffic on the world's major communications networks.

The New York Times - Tech

The administration should concentrate instead on a more modest plan to reach an agreement with Russia that would permit limited missile defenses without unraveling valuable arms control accords between the two countries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest plan" when you want to downplay the ambition or scope of a project, suggesting practicality and feasibility over grandiosity.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest plan" when the described initiative has a significant or far-reaching impact. This can create a mismatch between the description and reality, undermining credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest plan" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective modifying the noun "plan". It describes the nature or characteristic of the plan, as demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a modest plan" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an initiative characterized by its simplicity, practicality, and limited scope. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in news and media contexts, suggesting its applicability across various subjects. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the true nature of the initiative, avoiding overstatement and maintaining credibility. Alternative phrases such as ""a simple strategy"" or ""a limited scheme"" can also be used to provide subtle differences in meaning, or emphasis, while describing how achievable something is.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple strategy

Focuses on the straightforward nature of the plan, emphasizing ease of implementation.

a limited scheme

Highlights the constrained scope and reach of the plan.

a basic proposal

Emphasizes the foundational and uncomplicated elements of the plan.

a small-scale project

Underscores the reduced size and scope of the initiative.

an unambitious approach

Highlights the lack of grand goals or extensive scope.

a conservative estimate

Emphasizes caution and restraint in the plan's assumptions and projections.

a restrained design

Highlights that the plan has limitations and boundaries.

a measured step

Suggests a cautious and deliberate approach with controlled progression.

a gentle undertaking

Highlights the non-aggressive, subtle nature of the endeavor.

a piecemeal solution

Suggests an incremental and fragmented solution to a problem, rather than a comprehensive overhaul.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest plan" to describe an initiative that is simple and unambitious. For example: "The company implemented "a modest plan" to improve employee satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "a modest plan"?

Alternatives include "a simple strategy", "a limited scheme", or "a basic proposal", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a modest plan"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the practicality, feasibility, or limited scope of an initiative, suggesting it is achievable without significant resources or disruption.

What is the difference between "a modest plan" and "an ambitious plan"?

"A modest plan" indicates a small-scale, practical approach, while "an ambitious plan" suggests a grand, far-reaching initiative with significant goals and challenges.