a modest push

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest push" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gentle or slight encouragement or motivation towards a particular action or decision. Example: "Sometimes, all it takes is a modest push to help someone realize their potential and take the next step in their career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A modest push and the piece slowly revolves, its blue, rust and chrome chasing each other as if on a miniature carousel.

The New York Times

He said Iraq was not, as some strategists inside and outside the government presumed, a "house of cards" that would topple quickly if given a modest push.

The New York Times

On my test vehicle, even a modest push on the gas pedal caused the front wheels to spin when the road was damp.

The New York Times

The grain expert Glenn Roberts is part of a modest push to restore sesame cultivation to the South: His company, Anson Mills, sells small quantities of domestic sesame flour, oil and "benne cream," which may be described as American tahini.

The New York Times - Food

What is taking place and what the police and their supporters are largely reacting to is a modest push for sensible law enforcement reforms from groups as diverse as Campaign Zero, Koch Industries, the Cato Institute, The Leadership Conference, and the ACLU (my employer).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

These factors combine to produce a fairly modest Push-out Score of 3. El Pollo Loco Holdings , Inc

Harvard University

A modest merchandising push followed — dolls, clothes and MP3 players — and last month Disney introduced a Fairies attraction at its domestic theme parks.

The New York Times

Lehman Brothers economist Drew Matus sees a fundamental slump in consumer spending lasting through the first quarter of 2009, save for a modest early summer push spearheaded by government rebate checks (don't believe everyone who denies an intent to spend those checks, he argues, since people tend to answer such surveys with socially acceptable answers).

Forbes

Meanwhile, in Washington, the modest push for universal background checks for gun purchases that passed the House faces an uphill struggle in the Senate and veto threats from the White House, even though it has the support of most Americans.

The Washington Post

The taming of Rolf Breuer Out of kilter Land of the three mistakes A horse, not a camel Contumacious fetishism Banking on the unbanked Those stingy Americans Falling out of favour Reprints Related items Foreign aid: Those stingy AmericansMay 26th 2005 Trade: Stealing from the poorApr 22nd 1999This modest push for "reciprocity" is deeply controversial.

The Economist

Frustration nearly boiled over in the 82nd minute when Maxi Pereira shot high and wide from outside the box rather than pushing a modest pass to the onrushing Forlán.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest push" when you want to convey the idea of a gentle or slight encouragement, avoiding stronger terms that might imply force or pressure. It's particularly effective when suggesting a subtle influence on a decision or action.

Common error

While "a modest push" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated language that reflects the specific nuance you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest push" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action or influence that is gentle and subtle. Ludwig confirms its usability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest push" is a phrase used to describe a gentle or slight encouragement, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase, conveying a subtle influence or motivation. Though its frequency is rare, it appears in various contexts like news, academia and science. Alternatives such as ""a gentle nudge"" or ""a slight impetus"" may be considered depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, aim for clarity and avoid overuse in highly formal settings. Ludwig AI validates the correct and usable nature of this phrase, offering a valuable tool for writers seeking to refine their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentle nudge

Emphasizes the subtlety and gentleness of the encouragement, differing slightly in intensity.

a slight impetus

Focuses on the initial force or motivation, highlighting the beginning of the action.

a small incentive

Highlights the motivating aspect, suggesting a reward or encouragement.

a mild encouragement

Directly states the act of encouraging, focusing on its mild nature.

a soft prodding

Implies a more persistent, yet gentle, urging action.

a subtle prompting

Emphasizes the indirect and understated nature of the encouragement.

a gentle shove

More informal, suggesting a friendly and light-hearted push.

a bit of motivation

Highlights the motivational aspect, focusing on the sparking of initiative.

a little persuasion

Implies convincing someone gently, rather than forcing them.

a nudge in the right direction

Suggests guidance and steering someone towards a better path with gentle encouragement.

FAQs

How can "a modest push" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a modest push" to describe providing gentle encouragement. For example, "Sometimes all it takes is a modest push to help someone achieve their goals."

What phrases are similar to "a modest push"?

Similar phrases include "a gentle nudge", "a slight impetus", or "a small incentive". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a modest push" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a modest push" might be too informal for highly formal or technical contexts. Consider more precise alternatives that better suit the tone and subject matter.

What's the difference between "a modest push" and "strong encouragement"?

"A modest push" implies a gentle, subtle influence, while "strong encouragement" suggests a more assertive and direct approach. The choice depends on the intensity of encouragement you want to convey.