a modest suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest suggestion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to offer a recommendation or idea in a humble or unassuming manner. Example: "I have a modest suggestion for improving our workflow that I believe could benefit the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Even a modest suggestion of voluntary retirement founders.

The Guardian - Opinion

And here's a modest suggestion for political reporters.

The New York Times

A modest suggestion for Keane: Go with the "or something".

The Guardian - Music

Here's a modest suggestion: keep students from successful elementary schools together.

The New York Times

That isn't a wild, radical, feminist manifesto but a modest suggestion.

The Guardian - Opinion

So here's a modest suggestion – thanks to the United Nations – for how to turn the tide.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Yet Bagehot has a more modest suggestion for the Tory prime minister, David Cameron.

The Economist

He offered a rather modest suggestion: lower the proportion of interest payments that are deductible.

The New York Times

(2) Scalzi also calls out the MFA programs for leaving their students vulnerable, and makes what could be considered a pretty modest suggestion, under the circumstances: that they include at least one class on, "the business of the publishing industry, including an intensive look at contracts".

Huffington Post

It is a modest proposition.

The New Yorker

Blustein has a few modest suggestions of his own.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering "a modest suggestion", ensure that the tone of your communication aligns with the humility implied by the phrase. This helps in fostering collaboration and open dialogue.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a modest suggestion" as a groundbreaking solution. Exaggerating the significance can undermine your credibility and the perceived value of your contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest suggestion" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It introduces an idea or proposal, presenting it with a degree of humility or understatement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in offering advice, improvements, or alternative actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A modest suggestion" serves as a versatile noun phrase used to introduce an idea or recommendation with humility and understatement. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for a variety of situations, particularly in News & Media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to maintain a tone consistent with the implied modesty to enhance receptiveness and promote collaboration. Alternatives such as ""a humble proposition"" or ""a simple recommendation"" can be employed to achieve similar effects. The best practice is to use it in situations where you want to convey your point without sounding assertive or pushy. Ensure you don't overstate the suggestion's impact, as this can undermine your credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a humble proposition

Replaces "modest" with "humble", emphasizing the unassuming nature of the proposal.

a simple recommendation

Substitutes "suggestion" with "recommendation" and "modest" with "simple", focusing on the straightforward aspect of the advice.

an unassuming suggestion

Replaces "modest" with "unassuming" to emphasize lack of pretense.

a tentative proposal

Uses "tentative" to convey a sense of caution or uncertainty in the suggestion.

a gentle recommendation

Replaces "modest" with "gentle", highlighting the non-forceful nature of the advice.

a small proposal

Uses "small" to emphasize the limited scope or impact of the suggestion.

a minor suggestion

Similar to "small proposal", indicating the limited importance of the suggestion.

a measured proposal

Highlights the careful consideration behind the proposal.

a restrained recommendation

Uses "restrained" to suggest a controlled or limited suggestion, avoiding extravagance.

a conservative estimate

Alters the context to estimation, where "conservative" indicates a lower-end or cautious calculation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest suggestion" to introduce a proposal or idea in a humble way. For example: "I have "a modest suggestion" for improving team communication."

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

Alternatives include "a humble proposition", "a simple recommendation", or "a tentative proposal", each emphasizing a different aspect of humility or caution.

When is it appropriate to use "a modest suggestion"?

Use "a modest suggestion" when you want to offer an idea without seeming assertive or overconfident, especially in collaborative or sensitive situations.

Is "a modest suggestion" more formal or informal?

"A modest suggestion" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While usable in many contexts, it's best suited for professional or polite communication where humility is valued.