a modicum of class

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modicum of class" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It means a small amount or a small degree of elegance or sophistication. You can use this phrase when describing a person's behavior, characteristics, or appearance. Here is an example: Despite her lack of wealth, she always carried herself with a modicum of class, which impressed those around her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The first-named two are apparently the "posh couple" off Gogglebox, but that's to make the mistake of confusing "posh" with "endowed with a modicum of class".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Possesses a modicum of Garamond's class and refinement, plus high marks for the elegant capital Q.

Huffington Post

I think its fair that my parents might have hoped that our manners illustrated a modicum of functionality and class despite the disruptions my sisters usually caused in public.

HuffPost

Demanding a modicum of fairness is not class warfare.

The New York Times

Each class began with a modicum of history then plunged into important facts: names of components, steps to dismantle and clean them, characteristics of different munitions, steps to clear misfires and jams.

The New York Times

With a modicum of experience in a product category, consumers assume they're right.

Forbes

This reflected the time and place; surging growth in Bombay's textile factories had spawned a new class of organised labour, with a modicum of spare time and money.

The Economist

The new administration's first year has provided only a modicum of clarity.

Columbia University

Fashionista: The word has gone from describing a class of urban style-conscientious sophisticates to becoming a lazy and cheap byword for anyone with a modicum of taste.

The New York Times

Without a modicum of pain.

Harvard Business Review

A modicum of people like it.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modicum of class" to describe a subtle or understated elegance, rather than an overt display of wealth or status. This phrase works best when highlighting a person's behavior or characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "a modicum of class" to describe objects or situations that require substantial improvements. This phrase implies a small amount of an existing quality, not a complete transformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modicum of class" functions as a noun phrase, where "modicum" acts as a noun modified by the adjective "a" and the prepositional phrase "of class". Ludwig's analysis confirms its proper usage in describing a small degree of elegance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modicum of class" is a phrase used to describe a small degree of elegance or sophistication. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and best used to characterize someone's behavior or style subtly. While it's not an exceedingly common phrase, appearing primarily in News & Media, it provides a nuanced way to convey a restrained sense of refinement. When using it, consider alternative phrases like "a touch of elegance" or "a hint of sophistication" for similar meanings. Remember, the key is to apply it to contexts where a small measure of elegance is truly present, not where a significant transformation is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of elegance

Emphasizes a subtle addition of elegance rather than a small quantity of a pre-existing quality.

a hint of sophistication

Focuses on sophistication, implying a degree of worldliness and refinement.

a dash of refinement

Suggests a small amount of improvement or polish, specifically in manners or taste.

a degree of grace

Highlights the presence of graceful behavior or appearance, shifting the focus from class.

a little elegance

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing a small amount of elegance.

a shade of sophistication

Implies a very slight or subtle amount of sophistication.

an element of refinement

Focuses on the presence of refinement as a component or quality.

a small measure of dignity

Shifts the focus to dignity, emphasizing composure and self-respect rather than social class or elegance.

a soupçon of style

Uses a French term to denote a very small amount of style, adding a playful or sophisticated tone.

a whisper of poise

Emphasizes a subtle display of poise and composure, often in challenging situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modicum of class" to describe someone's behavior, style, or demeanor that displays a small degree of elegance or refinement. For example, "Despite the difficult circumstances, she maintained "a modicum of class"."

What's a good substitute for "a modicum of class"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a touch of elegance", "a hint of sophistication", or "a dash of refinement" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "a modicum of class" is suitable for formal writing. It's a well-understood phrase that adds a nuanced description of elegance or refinement without being overly elaborate.

What does "a modicum of" actually mean?

"A modicum of" simply means a small or limited amount of something. In the phrase "a modicum of class", it indicates that only a small degree of elegance or sophistication is present.