a modicum of interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modicum of interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a small or moderate amount of interest in a particular subject or topic. Example: "Despite the lengthy presentation, there was only a modicum of interest from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Suffice to say, there is a modicum of interest in this series.

The Guardian - Sport

But waste in procurement coming only in average dribbles of, say, a trivial £1bn a time (a third of the total income from the licence fee) seems to induce only a modicum of interest among news editors and correspondents.

The Guardian - Opinion

Amy is not only ignorant of sports but dismissive of them, and when she meets Aaron, she tries to feign a modicum of interest, but he instantly picks up on her ploy and calls her on it.

The New Yorker

I guess what I really wanted, in my pathetic fantasy life, was for Robert Hughes, my writerly idol, to feign a modicum of interest in me and my questions.

The Guardian - Arts

With professionals staying away, it was the amateurs, particularly the Internet investors who added a modicum of interest in a relatively quiet trading day.

Forbes

Mr Cable helped to oust Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy in 2005, but it was after Mr Kennedy's successor, Sir Menzies Campbell, resigned after two years in the job, that Mr Cable became a household name, at least among those with a modicum of interest in politics.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Only identity issues stir a modicum of student interest.

Huffington Post

Neither Pakistan nor China made any secret of the fact that the new Chinese reactors were a tit-for-tat against the United States-India nuclear alliance, yet another pointer to the notion that, for the moment, China will use Pakistan for a modicum of strategic interests, but not much beyond.

The New York Times

Though the Batavian Republic was a client state, its successive governments tried their best to maintain a modicum of independence and to serve Dutch interests even where those clashed with those of their French overseers.

Wikipedia

Once it has begun to create a workable financial system, a tax base, a set of laws that people respect and obey, above all a modicum of honesty in public and private dealing, western interest will revive.

The Economist

The first semester is specifically intended to foment interest in research, provide a modicum of exposure to the laboratory or field, and develop basic practical experience in designing and interpreting experiments.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modicum of interest" when you want to convey a small or moderate amount of interest without sounding overly enthusiastic or completely disinterested. It's suitable for situations where a neutral or slightly positive tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "a modicum of interest" when describing situations that clearly evoke strong enthusiasm or excitement. This phrase downplays the intensity of the interest and can be misleading in contexts requiring a more emphatic expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modicum of interest" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a small or moderate degree of interest. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modicum of interest" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a small or moderate level of interest, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's most commonly found in News & Media contexts, where its neutral tone is well-suited for objective reporting. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that it accurately reflects the level of engagement you want to convey, avoiding overstatements or downplaying genuine enthusiasm. While the phrase is not overly formal, it's more appropriate for professional or news-related writing than casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight interest

Indicates a very small degree of interest.

a small amount of interest

Quantifies the interest as being limited in quantity.

a degree of interest

Highlights the presence of some, though perhaps not significant, interest.

a touch of interest

Suggests a subtle or barely noticeable level of interest.

a hint of interest

Implies a veiled or indirect expression of interest.

a flicker of interest

Conveys a momentary or transient spark of interest.

a limited interest

Emphasizes the restricted scope or extent of the interest.

a measured interest

Suggests a controlled or restrained display of interest.

a restrained interest

Indicates that the level of interest is being kept under control or not fully expressed.

a negligible interest

Implies that the interest is so small as to be almost insignificant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modicum of interest" to indicate a slight or moderate amount of interest, as in, "Despite the speaker's enthusiasm, the audience showed only a modicum of interest."

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

Alternatives include "a slight interest", "a small amount of interest", or "a hint of interest" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a modicum of interest" is suitable for formal writing as it is a relatively neutral and objective way to describe a limited degree of interest. It is more appropriate than overly casual alternatives.

What is the difference between "a modicum of interest" and "a great deal of interest"?

"A modicum of interest" implies a small or moderate level of interest, while "a great deal of interest" suggests a significant and substantial level of interest. The two phrases represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of intensity.