a modest sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest sum" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small or reasonable amount of money, as in the following example sentence: "We offered a modest sum for the vintage car, but the owner refused to budge on the price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The total aid from developed countries is about $100 billion a year, a modest sum in light of developing countries' needs.

The New York Times

Mr. Jaquith sold his interest in First Hanover for a modest sum.

The New York Times

She bought it for what she describes as a "modest sum".

The New Yorker

Ladbrokes paid a modest sum to Anita Iacovou and her family.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Muller accepted a modest sum, about $15,000, for the models.

The New York Times

By way of indemnity, he demanded a modest sum of money.

The New Yorker

That's a modest sum, critics say, given the potential economic losses.

The New York Times

A modest sum of €230m could generate €4.6 billion worth of projects, says the Commission.

The Economist

Couples would buy Eh'häusl for a modest sum and be granted the right to marry.

Independent

This sounds like a modest sum until you realize that his monthly salary at that time was 36 renminbi.

The New York Times

The official biennale budget was less than $1 million, a modest sum for an exhibition of nearly 300 works.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest sum", ensure the context clearly indicates what the sum is being used for. For example, specify "a modest sum for renovations" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest sum" when the amount is actually quite substantial. Use more appropriate terms like "a significant investment" or "a considerable amount" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest sum" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a quantity of money that is considered small or reasonable. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest sum" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that refers to a small or reasonable amount of money. Ludwig highlights its frequent occurrence in news and media sources, as well as in formal and business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the amount is genuinely modest in relation to the subject and avoid overstating its significance. Consider alternative phrases like "a small amount" or "a reasonable price" depending on the specific context to provide further clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount

Focuses on the quantity being small rather than the reasonableness of the sum.

a reasonable price

Emphasizes the fairness and acceptability of the cost.

a fair price

Highlights the equity of the amount paid.

a trifling amount

Suggests the amount is insignificant or negligible.

a nominal fee

Indicates the amount is very low, often just a formality.

a slight expense

Emphasizes the low cost associated with something.

a limited budget

Refers to the overall financial constraint rather than a specific sum.

a small fortune

A figure of speech that indicates that something is far from a modest sum; this describes the opposite.

a decent amount

Indicates that something is acceptable but not impressive.

a manageable expense

Focuses on how easy the cost is to deal with.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest sum" to describe a relatively small amount of money. For example, "She inherited "a modest sum" from her grandfather".

What's a good alternative to "a modest sum"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a small amount", "a reasonable price", or "a fair price".

Is it ever appropriate to use "a modest sum" sarcastically?

While technically possible, using "a modest sum" sarcastically can be confusing. Sarcasm often relies on clear context, so ensure your audience understands you're being ironic. Otherwise, opt for clearer expressions of sarcasm.

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

"A modest sum" refers to a relatively small or reasonable amount of money. In contrast, "a small fortune" describes a large amount of money. Therefore, they have opposite meanings.