a modicum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modicum" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small or moderate amount of something, often in a context where a little is sufficient or desired. Example: "She only needs a modicum of patience to deal with the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without a modicum of pain.

Harvard Business Review

A modicum of people like it.

The Guardian - Music

There is a modicum of control.

The New York Times - Arts

It provided a modicum of hope".

The Guardian - Books

"I had a modicum of talent".

The Guardian - Film

It even contains a modicum of good news.

The Economist

How dare they enjoy a modicum of economic comfort?

The New York Times

It also contains a modicum of good news.

The Economist

Banning browsing before breakfast can reintroduce a modicum of civilisation.

The Economist

O.K., I've achieved a modicum of STABILITY again.

The New York Times

Rebels here have a modicum of communication equipment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modicum" to suggest a small but sufficient amount of something, often in contexts where complete abundance is unnecessary or undesirable. For example, "a modicum of effort" can imply that only a little effort is needed to achieve a goal.

Common error

While "a modicum" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in very informal or casual conversations where simpler terms like "a little" or "a bit" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modicum" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, typically used to quantify abstract concepts such as hope, talent, or control. As noted by Ludwig, it is generally considered correct and usable in English. Examples show it modifying nouns to indicate a limited but present degree of the specified attribute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a modicum" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a small but sufficient amount of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is acceptable for use in written English. Its usage is most common in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific contexts, demonstrating its versatility across different registers. While perfectly suitable for formal contexts, it should be used sparingly in casual conversation to avoid sounding pretentious. Consider alternatives such as "a small amount" or "a little bit" in informal settings. Remember, the key is to use "a modicum" where a nuanced and somewhat sophisticated expression is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A small amount

Directly indicates a quantity that is not large; more straightforward.

A little bit

Suggests a slightly smaller quantity and is more informal.

A trace

Implies a very small or barely perceptible amount.

A hint

Suggests a slight indication or suggestion, not necessarily a physical quantity.

A touch

Indicates a delicate or slight amount, often used in cooking or art.

A degree

Implies a level or extent, often in terms of quality or intensity.

A fragment

Indicates a tiny part or piece of something larger.

A measure

Suggests a limited or controlled quantity.

A fraction

Implies a small portion or percentage of a whole.

An iota

Emphasizes an extremely small or insignificant quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a modicum" in a sentence?

You can use "a modicum" to indicate a small or moderate amount of something, as in "He showed "a modicum of respect" during the meeting" or "She displayed "a modicum of talent" in her early performances".

What phrases are similar to "a modicum"?

Alternatives to "a modicum" include phrases like "a small amount", "a little bit", or "a touch", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a modicum" in formal writing?

Yes, "a modicum" is perfectly suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of sophistication and precision, making it ideal for academic papers, business reports, and other professional documents.

What's the difference between "a modicum" and "a lot"?

"A modicum" implies a small or moderate quantity, whereas "a lot" suggests a large quantity. Using "a modicum of effort" indicates that only a small amount of effort is required, while "a lot of effort" means a significant amount of effort is needed.