a modest rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a reasonable or moderate price or fee for a service or product. Example: "The hotel offers accommodations at a modest rate, making it accessible for budget travelers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

California added jobs at a modest rate in March, reflecting an economy that is close to full employment after 108 months of job expansion, one of the longest runs since World War II.

Los Angeles Times

"If businesses continue to grow at a modest rate of 3percentt a year," he added, "that will generate a demand for 360,000 square feet a year".

The New York Times

Prices have been stable for 30 years, with continuous increases at a modest rate".

The New York Times

Consumer prices have been rising at a modest rate as well.

The New York Times

The capital is recycled over a five year period and offers our investors a modest rate of return.

The Guardian

But if this is financed only by restricting corporate tax expenditures, then it will permit only a modest rate reduction.

The New York Times

They would represent a modest rate of return — if it were what you received after an entire year.

The New York Times

He foresees steady revenue growth of 10 to 15percentt a year for the rest of this decade, a modest rate, by his reckoning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The average figure for the past three months is about 146,000, which is consistent with an economy expanding at a modest rate perhaps 2.0-2.5 per cent on an annualized basis.

The New Yorker

In every 401k, there is an opportunity to place money in a Money Market fund, a 'stable value' fund that pays only a modest rate of interest but typically never loses money.

WikiHow

The Solanaceae has experienced chromosomal changes at a modest rate compared with other families and the rates are likely conserved across different lineages of the family.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial matters, use "a modest rate" to convey a sense of affordability or reasonable cost.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest rate" when you need to emphasize the significant impact of even a small percentage or amount over time. Even a "modest rate" of compounding interest, for example, can yield substantial returns in the long term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest rate" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree or extent of the rate, indicating it is moderate, reasonable, or not excessive. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest rate" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a rate that is moderate or reasonable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. It's important to consider the implications of even "a modest rate" over time, as small amounts can accumulate significantly. Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey a sense of stability or manageability rather than insignificance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moderate pace

Emphasizes the speed or tempo being moderate rather than the amount or cost.

a small degree

Focuses on the degree or extent of something being limited.

a slight increase

Highlights a minimal growth or rise in something.

a reasonable level

Indicates that something is at an acceptable or justifiable level.

a gentle slope

Describes a gradual incline or decline, rather than a rate.

a controlled amount

Stresses the management and limitation of a quantity.

a limited quantity

Focuses on the restricted availability or supply of something.

a low tempo

Refers specifically to the speed or rhythm being slow or unhurried.

a conservative estimate

Highlights that the rate or amount is intentionally understated.

a fractional percentage

Highlights the rate as being a very small percentage.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest rate" to describe a small or reasonable pace, increase, or cost. For example, "The economy is growing at "a modest rate" of 2% per year."

What are some alternatives to saying "a modest rate"?

Alternatives to "a modest rate" include "a moderate pace", "a slight increase", or "a reasonable level", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a modest rate" or "a low rate"?

The best choice depends on the context. "A modest rate" suggests a reasonable or acceptable level, while "a low rate" simply indicates a small quantity. Use "a modest rate" when you want to imply acceptability or fairness.

What does it mean when something is described as growing at "a modest rate"?

When something is growing at "a modest rate", it signifies that its growth is happening slowly and gradually, without any rapid or significant increases. This term is frequently employed in economics and finance to portray stable yet unexceptional growth.