a modest share

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest share" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or reasonable portion of something, often in a context of distribution or contribution. Example: "In the recent project, I contributed a modest share of the overall budget to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

All together having a good time,' a modest share of happiness.

The New York Times - Arts

Finland spends a modest share of its GDP on schools, pays teachers unspectacular salaries and has small classes.

The Economist

She said he is able to do so because only a modest share of his patients have it.

The New York Times - Health

But Forks would dearly like to acquire a modest share of Seattle's genius for spinning money in cyberspace.

The New York Times

As a whole, exports represented a modest share of U.S. G.D.P. — about three per cent even at the end of the nineteen-fifties, compared with roughly seven per cent today.

The New Yorker

TOKYO The food and drink unit of the Japanese brewing company Suntory Holdings set a modest share price for its much-anticipated initial public offering, reflecting weaker demand from investors amid volatile markets in Tokyo.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We ask our employees to share a modest part of that".

The New York Times

If exports are measured correctly, however, they account for a surprisingly modest share of China's economic growth.The headline ratio of exports to GDP is very misleading.

The Economist

For all their manufacturing activity, the four coastal prefectures that suffered the heaviest damage (Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi) actually produce a rather modest share of Japan's aggregate output — only 4.7percentt or so.

Columbia University

The upshot, after Younus Khan claimed a more modest share of the spoils but became Pakistan's all-time leading Test runscorer in the process, was a stumps total of 286 for four.

Independent

At the moment we have a very modest share in the annuity market.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest share", ensure the context clearly indicates what the share refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, specify "a modest share of the profits" rather than just "a modest share".

Common error

Avoid using "a modest share" when the actual portion is insignificant or negligible, as it can mislead the audience. Reserve this phrase for amounts that are genuinely small but still meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest share" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies the quantity or extent of something, indicating that it is present, but in a limited or moderate amount. The examples from Ludwig confirm its adjectival role in describing quantities or proportions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest share" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for describing a small or reasonable portion of something. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its validity and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While "uncommon", the phrase finds uses in Science, and Formal & Business as well. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the share refers to, and avoid using it when the amount is negligible. Consider alternatives like "a small portion" or "a reasonable amount" depending on the context. By paying attention to these nuances, you can use "a modest share" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small portion

Replaces 'modest' with 'small' to emphasize the limited size.

a reasonable amount

Substitutes 'share' with 'amount' and 'modest' with 'reasonable' to indicate fairness and acceptability.

a limited quantity

Uses 'limited' instead of 'modest' and 'quantity' instead of 'share' to focus on the restricted nature of the amount.

a fair fraction

Replaces 'modest' with 'fair' and 'share' with 'fraction' to highlight impartiality in distribution.

a slight piece

Emphasizes the smallness of the share by using 'slight' and 'piece'.

a measured portion

Highlights the careful consideration of the amount with 'measured'.

a moderate part

Uses 'moderate' to suggest a middle ground and 'part' to represent the share.

a conservative allocation

Focuses on the careful and restrained nature of the distribution.

a restricted segment

Uses 'restricted' and 'segment' to indicate a limited and defined part.

a minimal contribution

Highlights the small level of input or contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest share" to describe a small portion of something, for example: "Finland spends "a modest share" of its GDP on schools".

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

Alternatives include "a small portion", "a reasonable amount", or "a limited quantity", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a modest share" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and conveys a clear, professional tone. It's frequently found in news articles and academic papers.

What's the difference between "a small share" and "a modest share"?

While both phrases describe a small portion, "a modest share" often implies that the amount is reasonable or acceptable, whereas "a small share" simply indicates size without necessarily implying acceptance.