a modest profit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest profit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing financial outcomes that are not excessively high, indicating a reasonable or moderate level of profit. Example: "After reviewing the quarterly reports, we were pleased to see that the company generated a modest profit this year, allowing us to reinvest in our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It even turned a modest profit before closing in 1951.

The New York Times

He has turned a £24bn loss into a modest profit.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the full year, UAL expects "a modest profit".

The New York Times

Last year, it made a modest profit of $42 million.

The New York Times

For HSBC, the deal delivers only a modest profit.

The New York Times

Advertising on GovTrack pays for operating expenses like server space and provides a modest profit.

Princeton University

Jubba's planes are now 85 percent full, and the company is making a modest profit.

The New York Times - Magazine

The banks then sold the dollars to the public for a modest profit.

The New York Times

Once again, even though the rent was free, we produced only a modest profit.

The New York Times

The formula is successful, according to its owners, and the theater is turning a modest profit.

The New York Times

For that investment, it earned what it labeled a modest profit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a modest profit", ensure it aligns with the context of the discussion. For instance, use it when acknowledging positive financial outcomes that aren't exceptionally high, setting realistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest profit" when the financial gains are actually significant. Using it inappropriately can mislead stakeholders and undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest profit" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase refers to financial gain that is not substantial or excessive. It is often used to describe a positive financial outcome in a measured way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a modest profit" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a financial gain that is not substantial. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including news reports, business communication, and academic discussions. The phrase conveys a sense of realism and avoids exaggerating financial success. While it is most frequently encountered in "News & Media", it is also prevalent in "Formal & Business" settings. Alternatives like "a small profit" or "a reasonable profit" can be used to provide subtle differences in meaning. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the financial context and avoid using it when the profit is, in fact, significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small profit

Emphasizes the size of the profit, suggesting it is not large.

a reasonable profit

Focuses on the acceptability or fairness of the profit margin.

a slight gain

Highlights the positive financial result, but implies it is not substantial.

a marginal return

Suggests the profit is just enough to justify the investment or effort.

a slim profit

Similar to "small", but can also imply difficulty in achieving the profit.

a limited profit

Indicates that there were restrictions or constraints on the potential profit.

a humble profit

Suggests the profit is not something to boast about, perhaps due to its size.

a decent profit

Implies that the profit is adequate or satisfactory.

a fair profit

Focuses on the justice or equity of the profit earned.

a tempered profit

Highlights that the profit is moderate and controlled, not excessive.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest profit" to describe a financial gain that is not substantial, for example: "Despite the challenges, the company reported "a modest profit" this quarter."

What's a good alternative to "a modest profit"?

Alternatives include "a small profit", "a reasonable profit", or "a slight gain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a modest profit" in a formal business report?

Yes, "a modest profit" is suitable for formal business reports when accurately reflecting the level of financial gain. It provides a clear and professional assessment of the company's performance.

What factors might lead to a company reporting only "a modest profit"?

Factors can include increased operating costs, decreased sales volume, competitive market pressures, or strategic investments aimed at long-term growth that temporarily impact profitability.