a modest subset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest subset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or limited portion of a larger group or category, often implying that it is not extensive or grand in scale. Example: "In our research, we focused on a modest subset of the population to gather more manageable data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A cutoff value of 2.70 µg/ml identified a modest subset of ALS patients (sensitivity: 32%) while maintaining high specificity versus controls (specificity: 78% vs. all study controls, 100% vs. mimic disease controls).

Plosone

Most of the above studies relied either on bacterial culture, which queries only a minority of the organisms present, or low throughput sequencing methods that identify only a modest subset of bacterial lineages, leaving the more global responses of bacterial communities to smoking only partially characterized.

Plosone

It is important to note that our cluster categorization is limited by the fact that it uses only a modest subset of the liver-specific TFs known to control tissue-specific gene expression (Odom et al., 2006); inclusion of more TFs may reveal that regions with higher combinatorial binding (e.g., 4TF and 5TF clusters) would be even more often shared among different mouse species.

Cell

11 In summary, unlike the original report of the FTO association with OA, which was able to adjust for BMI only on a modest subset of female cases and controls, the present study gives a definitive answer showing that the effect of this variant on OA is solely due to its effect on BMI.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

Third, our approach does not directly reveal which transcription factors control these regulatory regions, as would a more direct comparison (Kunarso et al., 2010; Paris et al., 2013; Schmidt et al., 2010), which in turn can only capture a modest subset of active regions.

Cell

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

CFY GFP+ ductal cells showed a modest increase in expression of numerous β cell specific genes, consistent with a small subset of ductal cells undergoing β cell conversion.

Cell Stem Cell

Records constitute a small subset of information.

Forbes

A modest but healthy subset of small businesses has even prospered on the Web alone.

The New York Times

A detailed multiparametric analysis performed at a single cell level, revealed that in the TCDD-exposed individual there was a substantial three-fold increase in the frequency of CD4+ memory T cells with the CCR6+CCR4+CXCR3-CCR10 phenotype and a modest increase in the CCR6+CCR4-CXCR3-CCR10 subset when compared to healthy controls (Figure 5B).

Plosone

Next, we performed a proof of concept experiment by deconvolving white blood cell profiles into a modest number of immune cell subsets.

Plosone

The authors report that the enhancers and promoters mapping to SSc-associated variants did not reveal strong enrichment of specific cell subsets, but a modest enrichment of T-cell types, in a pattern more similar to vitiligo or primary sclerosing cholangitis [ 82▪▪].

Current Opinion in Rheumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest subset", ensure the adjective accurately reflects the size and significance of the portion being described. Use it when you specifically want to downplay the extent or impact of the subset.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest subset" when the subset is actually quite large or significant. This can mislead readers and undermine your credibility. Choose a more appropriate descriptor if the subset is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest subset" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically an adjective phrase modifying the noun "subset". It indicates a limited quantity or extent, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest subset" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small or limited portion of a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare in overall usage, it's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the "modest" descriptor accurately reflects the size and impact of the subset to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited portion

Emphasizes the restricted size of the portion.

a small segment

Highlights that the subset is a section or division of something larger.

a restricted selection

Focuses on the act of choosing a limited number of items.

a fraction of the whole

Expresses the subset as a part of the entire group.

a minor component

Indicates that the subset is a less significant element.

a negligible quantity

Suggests the subset is so small it's almost insignificant.

a handful of elements

Uses a more informal term to describe a small quantity.

a reduced number

Focuses on the fact that the original number has been diminished.

a sparse selection

Implies the subset is thinly distributed or not abundant.

a token representation

Highlights the subset as a symbolic or minimal sample.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest subset" to describe a small portion of a larger group. For example, "We analyzed "a modest subset" of the data to identify key trends."

What are some alternatives to "a modest subset"?

Alternatives include "a small portion", "a limited selection", or "a minor component", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a modest subset"?

Yes, "a modest subset" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a small or limited part of a larger group or category.

What's the difference between "a modest subset" and "a significant subset"?

"A modest subset" implies the portion is small and perhaps not very important, while "a significant subset" suggests the portion, though possibly small, has a notable impact or relevance.