a modicum of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a modicum of" is correct and usable in written English.
When used, it usually means a small amount or a minimal amount. For example, "I have a modicum of hope that the situation will resolve itself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Monopoly provided at least a modicum of security.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modicum of" to subtly suggest a small but important quantity. It is more impactful than simply stating "a small amount".

Common error

While "a modicum of" adds a touch of sophistication, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "a little" or "a bit" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modicum of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a noun. It indicates a small or limited amount of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modicum of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a small or limited quantity. According to Ludwig AI, its correctness is validated by numerous examples from reputable sources. It commonly appears in news and media, formal business writing, and scientific publications, carrying a neutral to slightly formal tone. While versatile, it is best used when subtly implying a small yet significant amount, and overusing it in informal settings should be avoided. The availability of alternatives like "a small amount of" and "a touch of" allows for nuanced expression in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimum of

Indicates the least possible quantity, implying a requirement rather than a mere presence.

a small amount of

More general and less formal, simply denoting a quantity that is not large.

a touch of

Suggests a very slight or subtle amount, often used for intangible qualities.

a hint of

Implies an even smaller amount than "a touch of", often used to describe subtle suggestions or traces.

a degree of

Indicates the extent to which something is present, often used for abstract qualities.

a trace of

Signifies a barely perceptible amount, emphasizing the minimal presence of something.

a shred of

Suggests a very small or insignificant amount, often used in negative contexts.

an iota of

Implies an extremely small or negligible amount, often used for emphasis.

a little bit of

A more colloquial alternative indicating a small quantity.

a smattering of

Suggests a small, scattered amount, often implying a lack of thoroughness.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a modicum of" is used to indicate a small or moderate amount of something. For example, "He showed "a modicum of respect" during the meeting" or "The plan requires "a modicum of effort" to succeed".

What phrases can I use instead of "a modicum of"?

You can use alternatives like "a small amount of", "a little bit of", or "a touch of" depending on the context. These phrases all convey the idea of a limited quantity.

Is it better to say "a modicum of success" or "a lot of success"?

The choice depends on the degree of success. "A modicum of success" implies a small or limited success, while "a lot of success" indicates a significant amount of success. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.

What's the difference between "a modicum of" and "a minimum of"?

"A modicum of" suggests a small, often barely sufficient amount, whereas "a minimum of" indicates the smallest acceptable or required quantity. "A minimum of" sets a lower bound, while "a modicum of" describes an existing small quantity.