a modest wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gentle or light breeze, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As we sailed across the lake, a modest wind filled our sails, guiding us smoothly toward the shore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The modified plant, particularly when loaded with all that fruit, snaps under the force of even a modest wind.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Days when there is even a modest easterly wind are greatly appreciated in west London, because flights on those days neither land nor take off over the area.

The Economist

In other words, despite his administration's rhetorical embrace of clean energy, when push comes to shove, Obama is effectively using modest wind and solar investments as cover for a broader embrace of dirty fuels.

Huffington Post

Outside, a variety of photovoltaics are being tested, along with a modest-sized wind turbine and a large grid-connected battery.

MIT Technology Review

Mrs. Hunt said the wind turbine near the main entrance makes a great calling card, but that the area's variable and generally modest winds have limited the turbine's contribution to overall energy production.

The New York Times

Knott's Berry Farm has sued the manufacturer of its $9-million Windjammer roller coaster, charging that the ride contains serious design flaws that cause it to regularly break down and prevent operations during even modest winds.

Los Angeles Times

The Senate gave environmentalists a modest victory on wind and solar power today.

The New York Times

For the third year in a row, a modest recovery faces head winds as winter turns to spring.

The New York Times

That so many voices were accompanied by a modest consort of Elizabethan string, wind and percussion instruments should have generated balance problems; and with the performers moving constantly around the church, things could have been chaotic.

The New York Times - Arts

Exeter led 20-14 athehe break, a modest return for the significant wind advantage they had enjoyed and when Jimmy Gopperth knocked a penalty five minutes after the restart it looked as if the Chiefs would need to dig in.

The Guardian - Sport

The inevitable introduction of Yuvraj, a modest bowler but a guaranteed wind-up, brought not a wicket but a brace of boundaries instead.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest wind" to evoke a sense of tranquility or mildness, particularly in descriptive writing or when setting a calm scene.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest wind" in scientific or technical writing where precise measurements of wind speed are required; instead, use specific units like knots or miles per hour.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest wind" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "modest", modifying the noun "wind", to depict a specific quality – its gentle or subdued nature. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest wind" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict a gentle breeze, primarily found in descriptive contexts, as Ludwig AI suggests. While not frequently used, it effectively evokes a sense of calmness and mildness. Alternative phrases like "a gentle breeze" or "a light wind" can be used for similar effect. When writing, use "a modest wind" to set a tranquil scene, but avoid it in technical contexts requiring precise wind measurements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentle breeze

Replaces "modest wind" with a more common synonym for a light wind.

a light breeze

Similar to "gentle breeze", but uses "light" to describe the wind's intensity.

a slight wind

Emphasizes the minimal force or intensity of the wind.

a mild wind

Suggests a wind that is not harsh or strong, focusing on its pleasant nature.

a soft wind

Implies a delicate and gentle quality to the wind.

a tame wind

Portrays the wind as controlled and not wild or turbulent.

a quiet wind

Focuses on the lack of noise and disruption associated with the wind.

a calm wind

Suggests the wind is not agitated or strong, implying a peaceful atmosphere.

a balmy breeze

Adds a sense of warmth and pleasantness to the description of the wind.

a zephyr

A more poetic term for a gentle, mild breeze.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest wind" to describe a gentle breeze, such as, "A modest wind rustled the leaves, creating a peaceful sound".

What are some alternatives to "a modest wind"?

Alternatives include "a gentle breeze", "a light wind", or "a slight wind", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a modest wind" a formal or informal expression?

"A modest wind" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in descriptive or literary writing.

What does it mean when describing something as "a modest wind"?

Describing something as "a modest wind" suggests that the wind is gentle, not strong or overwhelming. It evokes a sense of calmness and subtlety.