a modicum of freedom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modicum of freedom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or limited amount of freedom in various contexts, such as personal, social, or political situations. Example: "In the new regime, citizens were granted a modicum of freedom, allowing them to express their opinions more openly than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The idea was to give a modicum of freedom to reasonably reliable convicts who had served the better part of long sentences in Sing Sing, Dannemora, and other prisons.

The New Yorker

The Middle East's professionals and entrepreneurs need stability, access to foreign markets and a modicum of freedom to live their lives and run their businesses without interference from secular or religious authoritarians.

The New York Times - Books

But the young woman had limited choices: a return to South Africa, where surely she would have resumed a life of servitude, or continued exploitation in England, where she at least received a small wage and a modicum of freedom.

The New York Times

The Postal Service relaxed their censorship after several First Amendment obscenity trials, including Roth v. United States and another regarding Allen Ginsberg's Howl in the mid-1950s, which gave Bannon a modicum of freedom in her plots.

Wikipedia

On the top floor of a federal courthouse here, roughly two miles from the hotel where he shot President Reagan 22 years ago, John W. Hinckley Jr. is asking for a modicum of freedom.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Some painters and graphic artists took refuge in glass and other applied arts as a way of escaping harassment and retaining a modicum of creative freedom".

The New York Times - Arts

The set-up is not unlike one of those zoos where the animals are granted a modicum of artificial freedom by restricting the movement of visitors.

The Guardian - Film

Born in 1957, Mr. Cai (whose full name is pronounced sigh gwo-chee-ang) grew up in Quanzhou in southern China, where there was a modicum of religious freedom.

The New York Times - Arts

Someday you will spill some of those painful secrets and taste a modicum of much-needed freedom.

Huffington Post

School leaders in some states are gaining a modicum of autonomy, including the freedom to choose their own teachers.

The Economist

It slays time, it keeps the mind and body occupied, it gives you a modicum of freedom and, if one is in the kitchen, access to a smoking area out back from which the street is only yards away.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a modicum of freedom", ensure the context clearly indicates what limitations or constraints are placed on that freedom. For example, "Despite the oppressive regime, citizens still enjoyed a modicum of freedom in their private lives."

Common error

Avoid using "a modicum of freedom" when describing situations where individuals have substantial or unrestricted liberty. This phrase implies a small or barely sufficient degree of freedom; using it in the wrong context can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modicum of freedom" functions as a noun phrase acting as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes the extent or degree of freedom, emphasizing its limited nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a modicum of freedom" is a grammatically correct and relatively rare way to describe a small or limited amount of freedom. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the limitations surrounding the freedom being discussed. Alternatives such as "a small degree of freedom" or "a limited amount of freedom" can be used for greater clarity or in more informal settings. Avoid using it when describing situations with substantial liberty, as it implies a minimal extent of freedom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small degree of freedom

Replaces "modicum" with "small degree", emphasizing the limited nature of the freedom.

a limited amount of freedom

Uses "limited amount" instead of "modicum", making the phrase more straightforward.

slight liberty

A simpler synonym, using the word "slight".

a touch of liberty

Employs "touch" and "liberty" for a slightly more poetic and less formal tone.

a certain measure of freedom

Uses "certain measure" to suggest a defined but not necessarily large quantity.

a hint of autonomy

Substitutes "freedom" with "autonomy" to focus on self-governance; "hint" softens the quantity.

some semblance of freedom

Indicates that the freedom may not be complete or genuine.

a restricted freedom

Directly states that the freedom is not absolute and has limitations.

limited independence

Focuses on the aspect of independence rather than general freedom, implying constraints.

basic freedoms

Highlights fundamental freedoms, implying that only the most essential are granted.

FAQs

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

Use "a modicum of freedom" to describe a situation where there is a small or limited degree of freedom. For example, "Even in prison, the inmates found "a modicum of freedom" during recreational activities."

What are some alternatives to "a modicum of freedom"?

You can use alternatives like "a small degree of freedom", "a limited amount of freedom", or "a touch of liberty" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a little freedom" or "a modicum of freedom"?

"A little freedom" is more informal and suitable for casual conversation. "A modicum of freedom" is more formal and implies a carefully measured or small amount of freedom, making it suitable for more serious or analytical writing.

What does "modicum" exactly mean in the context of "a modicum of freedom"?

In this context, "modicum" means a small or moderate amount. Therefore, "a modicum of freedom" indicates that only a limited amount of freedom is available or permitted.