a modest time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time period that is not excessive or extravagant, often implying simplicity or restraint. Example: "We decided to host a gathering for a modest time, keeping the event low-key and intimate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The History Old Westbury's origins go back to a modest time in the 1670's when Long Island's first settlers, English Quakers, established farms in the area.

The New York Times

Some projects require a modest time commitment, others ask for a greater level of dedication, but all offer the deep satisfaction of knowing you've helped make this a better world.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Caster Semenya, in her first race since being cleared to return to competition after undergoing sex-verification tests, won the 800 meters Thursday in a modest time at a low-key meet in Lappeenranta, Finland.

The New York Times - Sports

He has had a modest time in front of the stumps while most of the catches have gone to Brad Haddin this summer, who would go on to break Rod Marsh's series record.

The Guardian - Sport

Finally, we manually inspected and extended the 4D-CHAINS results to establish the maximum number of highly accurate assignments for all 13C 1H correlations that can be observed in our 4D spectra (>98%), as a "best-effort" resonance list requiring a modest time investment by a trained user.

Nature

But he is testament to the fact it can be done, albeit in a modest time of five hours and 29 minutes.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

By rallying around a modest time-off goal, teams can develop a new capability: managing their time as a team.

Harvard Business Review

The systematic use of the TCOCT protocol reduced the degree of childhood obesity with acceptable retention rates with a modest time-investment by health professionals.

BMC Pediatrics

Accordingly, we found that receptor blockade resulted in a modest, time-dependent reduction in L5Benh basal firing rates and a strong suppression of movement-related firing.

Cell Reports

HPPH-PDT, at a dose that achieved long-term tumour suppression in ��50% of animals, resulted in a modest, time-dependent increase in the percentage of neutrophils in the treated tumour.

British Journal of Cancer

Trientine treatment exerted a modest time-dependent effect to ameliorate the effects of diabetes on body-weight (P = 0.035) whereas it had no measurable effect on blood glucose levels or heart rate.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modest time", ensure the context clearly indicates what the time is being measured against. For example, "a modest time commitment" clarifies that it's the investment of time, not necessarily the time itself, that's modest.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest time" when the time period is actually negligible or inconsequential. "Modest" suggests a reasonable limitation, not necessarily a trivial amount of time. If the duration is truly insignificant, consider using phrases like "a negligible amount of time" or "a fleeting moment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest time" functions as a noun phrase where "modest" modifies the noun "time". It specifies a duration that is not excessive or extravagant. Ludwig highlights the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a duration that is reasonable and not excessive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not extremely common, it is found in various contexts like news, science, business, and academia. The phrase's purpose is to indicate a limited or manageable timeframe, setting expectations appropriately. When using "a modest time", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of a reasonable or limited duration. Remember, "modest" implies limitation, not necessarily insignificance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short duration

Focuses on the brevity of the time period.

a limited timeframe

Highlights the constraints on the time available.

a reasonable period

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the time allotted.

a brief interval

Stresses the conciseness of the time between events.

a small amount of time

Underscores the relative insignificance of the time involved.

a slight delay

Indicates a small postponement or interruption.

a reduced period

Implies a deliberate shortening of the time span.

a minimal duration

Highlights the extreme shortness of the time period.

a conservative estimate of time

Focuses on the cautiousness of the time prediction.

an insignificant span

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the time period.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest time" to describe a duration that is reasonable, limited, or not excessive. For example, "The task requires "a modest time" commitment" or "Wealth and income inequality could be significantly reduced by tax reforms within "a modest time" frame."

What are some alternatives to "a modest time"?

Alternatives to "a modest time" include phrases such as "a short duration", "a limited timeframe", or "a reasonable period", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to describe something as requiring "a modest time commitment"?

To describe something as requiring "a modest time commitment" means that the amount of time needed to complete the task or activity is not excessive or overly demanding. It suggests that the time investment is reasonable and manageable.

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

Yes, it is appropriate to use "a modest time" in formal writing. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is grammatically correct and can be found in various reputable sources, including news media and academic publications. The key is to use it in a context where a limited or reasonable time is being described.