a modicum of order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modicum of order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or minimal amount of order or organization in a situation. Example: "After the chaotic meeting, we finally achieved a modicum of order when everyone agreed on the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I would wait for a modicum of order.

The New York Times

Since then, mayhem has prevailed, despite efforts by foreign peacekeepers under the aegis of the African Union (AU), France and the European Union (EU) to reimpose a modicum of order.

The Economist

Inside, Amy Gartrell's black-and-white decorative graphics (Victorian lace to Mad Magazine) highlight architectural details and lend a modicum of order, while being among the best things Ms. Gartrell has done.

The New York Times - Arts

After the Indian Ocean tsunami, according to a report in El Pais, an Acehnese girl developed measles symptoms thanks to three identical jabs from different aid agencies.The Paris declaration hopes to bring a modicum of order to these directionless crop-growers.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The conventional wisdom is that hedge funds or private equity groups won't bid against each other after a deal is in contract, following a supposed gentlemen's agreement intended to keep business friction at a minimum and preserve a modicum of social order in the red-meat world of investment banking.

Forbes

Now, with a bare modicum of order returning to the streets, you pay $250.An edgy calm has been restored in the capital, partly thanks to a dusk-to-dawn, shoot-on-sight curfew.

The Economist

There the jihadists have virtually taken over the functions of government, providing locals with a modicum of law and order as well as electricity and water.

The Economist

That means it's a fact of life that, as awkward as it is, government efforts will need to accept a modicum of failure in order to create much greater and lasting value.

Huffington Post

Indian courts offered a modicum of hope by ordering the CBI to continue investigating Mr. Tytler's role in the pogrom.

The New York Times

In modern Britain we expect the right wing to come from some sort of moneyed elite, but it seems that even lefties require a modicum of privilege today in order to get their voices heard in public discourse.

Vice

Given that the Windows 10 launch date for those devices just came and went, a modicum of slack may be in order.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modicum of order" when you want to emphasize that only a small amount of order has been achieved or is possible in a given situation. It suggests a situation that is not fully controlled or organized.

Common error

Avoid using "a modicum of order" when describing situations that are highly structured or well-organized. This phrase indicates only a small degree of order exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modicum of order" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the state of affairs concerning the arrangement and organization of elements within a given context, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples from The Economist and The New York Times.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modicum of order" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation where only a small amount of organization or control is present. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal contexts, especially in news and media. While not extremely common, its use is appropriate when conveying that the level of order is limited. Alternatives include "a small degree of organization" or "a touch of regulation". When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context accurately reflects a situation with only a minimal degree of order, avoiding its use when describing highly structured environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small degree of organization

Emphasizes the limited extent of organization achieved.

a touch of regulation

Highlights a slight amount of imposed rules or control.

a hint of structure

Focuses on a minimal level of imposed structure.

a semblance of control

Suggests an appearance of control, possibly superficial.

a degree of regulation

Highlights the imposition of rules to maintain a certain state.

a minimal level of organization

Stresses the basic nature of the organization.

a little bit of organization

Uses more informal language to convey the limited degree of organization.

a dash of system

Emphasizes a slight addition of systematic arrangement.

slight amount of control

Uses 'amount' instead of 'modicum'.

limited control

Focuses only on a small amount of control.

FAQs

How to use "a modicum of order" in a sentence?

You can use "a modicum of order" to describe situations where there's a small amount of regulation or organization. For example, "The peacekeepers brought "a modicum of order" to the chaotic city".

What can I say instead of "a modicum of order"?

You can use alternatives like "a small degree of organization", "a touch of regulation", or "a hint of structure" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a modicum of order" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to convey that the level of order is limited or minimal. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, this expression can be found in professional news sources like The Economist and The New York Times.

What does "modicum" mean in the context of "a modicum of order"?

In this context, "modicum" means a small or limited amount. Therefore, "a modicum of order" refers to a situation where there is only a slight or minimal degree of order or control.