a modest thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is humble, simple, or not extravagant in nature. Example: "Despite its small size, it is truly a modest thing that brings great joy to those who appreciate it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's a modest thing, horizontally oriented in imitation of older palm-leaf manuscripts.

The New York Times - Arts

Greek cuisine is a modest thing, fresh ingredients simply prepared with delicious results.

The New York Times

Greek cuisine is a modest thing, a fairly limited catalog of simple pleasures, and Avra gives it honest, honorable representation.

The New York Times - Food

Orthodox Jewish Girls School Tells Studentss to Leave Facebook NYPOST.COM | Hasidic girls' school bans Facebook at threat of expulsion: "Facebook is not a modest thing to do".

The New York Times

The small picture "is such a modest thing" with "an extreme modesty of scale" and "not a huge amount of bravado".

The New Yorker

Not he.The budget is therefore a modest thing, seeking to deliver a grab-bag of fairly cheap policy measures in the hope of winning votes (see Bagehot).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Reach is a very modest thing; to qualify, you only have to listen for five minutes in an average week.

The Guardian

The blog seemed like an awfully modest thing to me.

The New York Times - Magazine

The radical alterations under discussion would turn a modest sure thing into a possibly lucrative gamble.

The New York Times

He brought back, she said, "something more modest, in fact the most modest thing imaginable," the potato.

The New York Times - Arts

While that's a modest start, things "can move really fast if some large players in the market decide to set up," says Arnar Gudmundsson, a project manager at Invest in Iceland.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest thing" to downplay the significance of something you've created or achieved to convey humility and avoid arrogance.

Common error

While "a modest thing" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or professional writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives that better suit the tone and register of the piece.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest thing" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object complement. It describes a noun, characterizing it as simple, humble, or unpretentious. As Ludwig AI highlights, it conveys a sense of simplicity and lack of extravagance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest thing" is a phrase used to describe something as simple, humble, or unpretentious. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While it's not the most frequent phrase, it appears in news, academic, and informal settings. It's best used to downplay significance, express humility, or describe something lacking in ostentation. Be mindful of overuse in formal writing, where more precise language may be preferable. Consider alternatives such as "a simple matter" or "an unpretentious item" to suit the tone and register of your writing. Remember to use "a modest thing" to downplay the significance of something you've created or achieved to convey humility and avoid arrogance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unpretentious item

Highlights its simplicity and lack of affectation.

a simple matter

Focuses on the straightforward nature, rather than the lack of pretension.

a humble endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of arrogance or grandiosity in the undertaking.

an unassuming object

Highlights the lack of outward showiness or pretension in the object.

a plain affair

Underscores the lack of ornamentation or luxury.

a small consideration

Indicates the limited importance or impact of something.

a basic element

Highlights its fundamental and uncomplicated nature.

a minor detail

Focuses on the insignificance or unimportance.

a quiet accomplishment

Emphasizes the lack of boasting or fanfare surrounding the achievement.

a restrained approach

Highlights the lack of excess or flamboyance in the methodology.

FAQs

What does "a modest thing" mean?

The phrase "a modest thing" refers to something that is simple, humble, or not extravagant. It suggests a lack of pretension or showiness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a modest thing"?

It's appropriate to use "a modest thing" when you want to downplay the significance of something or describe something as unpretentious or simple. It's also suitable when you want to express humility.

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

You can use alternatives like "a simple matter", "an unpretentious item", or "a humble endeavor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a modest thing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a modest thing" is grammatically correct and follows standard English grammar rules.