a modicum of ingenuity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modicum of ingenuity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or moderate amount of creativity or cleverness in a particular context. Example: "The project was successful due to a modicum of ingenuity in its design, which set it apart from competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With a modicum of ingenuity, other parties can break in and help themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The America of the 1920's," they write, "was forward-looking, it was ebullient, but most of all it was an America captured by the belief that with a modicum of Yankee ingenuity, any problem could be solved".

The New York Times - Books

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modicum of ingenuity" to subtly highlight the presence of cleverness without exaggerating its extent. This is particularly effective when acknowledging a creative solution that is simple yet impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "a modicum of ingenuity" when describing truly groundbreaking inventions or solutions. This phrase suggests a limited amount, so reserve it for situations where the creativity is present but not the defining characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modicum of ingenuity" functions as a noun phrase, where "modicum" acts as a noun modified by the article "a", and "ingenuity" functions as the object of the preposition "of". This phrase describes a limited quantity of cleverness or creativity. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modicum of ingenuity" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a small or moderate amount of cleverness or creativity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare in occurrence, its use is appropriate in neutral to slightly formal contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase serves to acknowledge creativity without exaggerating its extent, and it can be replaced with alternatives such as "a touch of brilliance" or "a hint of cleverness" to achieve slightly different nuances. Remember to avoid overstating the degree of innovation when using this phrase; reserve it for situations where creativity is present but not the defining factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of brilliance

Replaces "ingenuity" with "brilliance", emphasizing the quality of being exceptionally clever.

a hint of cleverness

Substitutes "modicum" with "hint", suggesting an even smaller amount of cleverness.

a spark of creativity

Emphasizes the creative aspect of ingenuity, using "spark" to imply a sudden burst.

a degree of inventiveness

Replaces "ingenuity" with "inventiveness", highlighting the capacity for creating new things.

a small measure of resourcefulness

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect of ingenuity, using "resourcefulness" to describe the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

a little bit of imagination

Simplifies the phrase, emphasizing the role of imagination in ingenuity.

some slight creativity

Uses "slight" to modify "creativity", making the phrase more direct and less formal.

a limited amount of innovation

Replaces "ingenuity" with "innovation", focusing on the aspect of introducing new ideas or methods.

a shade of skill

Uses "shade" to describe a minimal amount of skill, downplaying the importance of ingenuity.

a grain of wit

Emphasizes the intellectual aspect of ingenuity, using "wit" to suggest clever humor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modicum of ingenuity" to describe a situation where a small amount of cleverness or creativity is applied to solve a problem or achieve a goal. For example, "The project's success was due to "a modicum of ingenuity" in its design".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a touch of brilliance", "a hint of cleverness", or "a spark of creativity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These alternatives, similarly to "a modicum of ingenuity", suggest a limited quantity of inventiveness.

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

Yes, "a modicum of ingenuity" is suitable for formal writing. While it may sound slightly sophisticated, it is grammatically correct and conveys a precise meaning. However, depending on the context, other expressions might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a modicum of ingenuity" and "a great deal of ingenuity"?

"A modicum of ingenuity" implies a small or moderate amount of cleverness, while "a great deal of ingenuity" suggests a significant or substantial amount. The choice between the two depends on the extent of creativity you want to emphasize.