a modest quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or moderate amount of something, often in a context where the quantity is being compared to larger amounts. Example: "The recipe calls for a modest quantity of sugar, just enough to enhance the flavor without overwhelming it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Talking-animal cartoons generally are, if they have even a modest quantity of wit or cross-species insight.

The New York Times

"In my investment firm, when we like a security after careful analysis, we buy a modest quantity.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Morrison said he could still remember when his Vertigo series "Sebastian O," about an assassin in Victorian-era England, sold about 90,000 copies of its first issue in 1993 — a modest quantity that would make it a Top 10 best seller in 2013.

The New York Times - Books

If you use a modest quantity of broth, the fideo swells and becomes more or less solid.

Los Angeles Times

Immunoblotting with 229T mAb raised against GS-168AT2 showed there was a modest quantity of GS-168AT2 pulledownwithith CD81.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As defined here, a small, wide data set is constructed by sampling a small to modest quantity n, 1 < n < 50, of human participants for the purpose of estimating many parameters p, such that n < p < 1000.

Journal of Immunological Methods

Human lung imaging studies with xenon, initially limited by the modest quantity and quality of hyperpolarized gas available, can now be performed with multiliter quantities several times daily.

Academic Radiology

We also believe that the quality of the data more than compensates for the modest quantity.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

In contrast, the amount of cisplatin taken up by cancer cells will be very toxic for them given the modest quantity of protective enzymes, particularly catalase, they express.

BioMed Research International

"We provided training and equipment for many years now, but in relatively modest quantities," Amanda Dory, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for Africa, told a Senate hearing last month.

The New York Times

Clearly there's some demand because modest quantities of Italia, an old seeded variety, are shipped from California and Italy, and a round, pinkish, Israeli-bred seedless muscat, Mystery, is imported from Chile in March and April.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest quantity", ensure the context makes it clear what is being measured. For instance, specify "a modest quantity of flour" or "a modest quantity of data".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a modest quantity" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "a little" or "a small amount" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest quantity" primarily functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the amount or extent of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest quantity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small or moderate amount of something, implying it is neither excessive nor insignificant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, with a slight preference for formal and professional settings. While phrases such as "a small amount" or "a limited quantity" can serve as alternatives, "a modest quantity" often suggests a sense of deliberate restraint or sufficiency. The phrase finds use in news, scientific and encyclopedic sources and contexts, offering a concise and effective way to communicate quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount

Focuses on the smallness of the amount, a more direct synonym.

a limited quantity

Emphasizes the restriction or limit on the amount.

a restrained amount

Implies that the amount is kept under control or within certain limits.

a small volume

Replaces "quantity" with "volume", suitable when referring to things that can be measured in volume.

a minimal quantity

Stresses that the quantity is the least possible or acceptable.

a slight amount

Highlights the insignificance of the amount.

a conservative quantity

Suggests a cautious or economical approach to the amount.

a humble amount

Implies the amount is unpretentious and not excessive.

a negligible amount

Emphasizes that the amount is so small it's practically insignificant.

a trace amount

Indicates an extremely small and barely detectable amount.

FAQs

What does "a modest quantity" mean?

The phrase "a modest quantity" refers to a small or moderate amount of something, implying it is not excessive or abundant.

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

You can use alternatives like "a small amount", "a limited quantity", or "a restrained amount" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a modest quantity" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of measured understatement and is often used in scientific, business, or academic contexts.

How does "a modest quantity" differ from "a small quantity"?

While similar, "a modest quantity" often implies a deliberate choice for a smaller amount, whereas "a small quantity" simply indicates the amount is not large. The former can suggest restraint or sufficiency, while the latter is a more neutral description.