a modest project

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest project" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a project that is not overly ambitious or large in scale, often implying simplicity or a limited scope. Example: "We decided to undertake a modest project to improve the community garden, focusing on just a few key areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It is a modest project, but it has a spirit to it," said the New York-based architect Carlos Zapata.

The New York Times

It's a modest project, and that reading room seemed to me like the bottom of a well when it was empty that morning.

The New York Times - Arts

On his Web site, Mr. Schoener, whose Ph.D. is in ancient Greek philosophy, describes it as "a modest project, not a pre-eminent one, undertaken for the sake of learning".

The New York Times - Food

It originally started as a modest project so his children could have somewhere to play, but over the years, the Snowking and his crew have become increasingly ambitious with their plans.

Vice

Launched as a modest project on Facebook in mid-July but soon expanded to a standalone website, Reparations is starting to draw international attention for its brazen approach to race relations.

Los Angeles Times

I'm not sure if he sensed this hunger in me -- or if he just wanted to stop my whining -- but my father soon spent patient time helping me learn to paint with his less expensive brushes, how to mix acrylic colors, how to use the time available to me to finish a modest project and how to clean my tools with pride.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In truth, Social Security has a modest projected shortfall, still decades away, but its promised benefits - and, indeed, expanded benefits - are fully affordable and will be paid, if that is what the American people want and their elected officials follow their will.

Huffington Post

The effort to open a museum evolved from a more modest project to preserve a steam engine that hauled commuter trains until its retirement in 1955.

The New York Times

The state government now wants to move city-council offices to the area, and create flats out of converted houses.North-eastern nightlifeIn Recife, by contrast, a more modest project to revive the city centre has brought a swifter return.

The Economist

Cameronism then became a more modest project to balance the nation's books.

The Guardian

It was a relatively modest project — that is, until word got out and her girlfriends wanted in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project, use "a modest project" to set realistic expectations and highlight the project's simplicity and achievable goals.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest project" to describe initiatives with significant complexity or extensive resource requirements. This mismatch can lead to credibility issues and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest project" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" modifies the noun "project". Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in describing undertakings that are not overly ambitious. Examples show it used to characterize initiatives with limited scope and resources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a modest project" is a useful way to describe an undertaking that is limited in scope and ambition. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its utility in reporting and general discussions. When using "a modest project", it's important to ensure that the description accurately reflects the project's scale to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like ""small undertaking"" and ""limited initiative"" can provide similar meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small undertaking

Focuses on the size and effort required.

a limited initiative

Emphasizes the restricted scope and ambition.

a simple venture

Highlights the straightforward nature of the activity.

a basic scheme

Underscores the rudimentary and uncomplicated design.

a minor endeavor

Stresses the insignificance and scale of the effort.

an unpretentious plan

Highlights the lack of grandeur and ostentation.

a low-key operation

Emphasizes the understated and subtle approach.

a scaled-down activity

Focuses on the reduced dimensions and scope.

a controlled experiment

Highlights the controlled conditions and limited scope.

a manageable task

Stresses the feasibility and ease of completion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest project" to describe an undertaking that is small in scale or ambition. For example, "We are undertaking "a modest project" to improve our local park".

What are some alternatives to "a modest project"?

Alternatives include "small undertaking", "limited initiative", or "simple venture". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to describe something as "a modest project"?

Describing something as "a modest project" indicates that it is not overly ambitious, complex, or resource-intensive. It implies a limited scope and achievable goals.

Is it appropriate to describe a large undertaking as "a modest project"?

No, it is not appropriate. Using "a modest project" to describe a significant endeavor would be misleading and could undermine your credibility. Use more fitting descriptions such as "major initiative", "ambitious undertaking", or "large-scale project" instead.