a modicum of respectability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modicum of respectability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount or degree of respectability or dignity in a particular context. Example: "Despite the scandal, the organization managed to maintain a modicum of respectability in the eyes of the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If the move was an attempt to gain a modicum of respectability, it backfired.

Forbes

Bitcoin has accreted to itself a modicum of respectability in recent months, failing to collapse as some predicted, and instead showing off a level of price stability that has almost surprised.

TechCrunch

To their credit, New Zealand's tailenders gave the scorecard a modicum of respectability, with Tim Southee scoring 19 and Boult hitting Swann for three straight sixes in a last-wicket stand of 52 with Neil Wagner (27).

BBC

But with the help of Ravichandran Ashwin (20), Dhoni managed a gritty unbeaten 57 - his maiden fifty on Australian soil - to hand a modicum of respectability to his side's total before he ran out of partners.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Their vision though, of an empowered white nationalism that uses an modicum of respectability to gain entry to public discussion, materialised again last week as Australia watched Cottrell in a trim suit with a red tie, speak to Northern Territory Country Liberal Party chief minister Adam Giles on a national broadcaster.

Vice

It's difficult to even get a modicum of respect.

Los Angeles Times

And I used to have a modicum of respect for him.

Los Angeles Times

But all their hard work to claw back a modicum of international respectability was undone in a few days of violence on the streets of some of Indonesia's biggest cities.The spark, as might have been foreseen, was a measure intended to help meet IMF targets, and essential if the government was to halt the slide into hyper-inflation by printing money.

The Economist

Robert A. Heinlein died in 1988 at the age of 80. Along with a handful of his contemporaries -- including Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov -- he is credited with propelling science fiction beyond its pulp-magazine roots to wide popularity and even a modicum of literary respectability.

The New York Times - Books

And from 62-6, it was Ben Stokes who gave England's total a faint modicum of respectability with a composed 47.

BBC

Sometimes knowing just the disease can preserve a modicum of distance and respectability, which is essential to the doctor-patient relationship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modicum of respectability" when you want to suggest that something or someone has achieved only a small or limited amount of public approval or dignity, often in the face of challenges or disrepute. It implies a fragile or hard-won level of acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "a modicum of respectability" when the subject actually possesses a substantial or widely acknowledged level of respect or admiration. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the respectability is minimal or questionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modicum of respectability" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a limited or small degree of being worthy of respect or esteem. Examples show its use in contexts where something is trying to gain or maintain a small amount of public approval.

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 respectability" is a noun phrase that describes a small degree of being worthy of respect. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. The phrase implies that respect or approval is limited or hard-won. While not frequently used, the phrase serves to nuance an assessment of a subject's reputation or standing, suggesting both some achievement and some limitations. Consider alternatives such as "a small amount of dignity" or "a hint of credibility" to fine-tune your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount of dignity

Replaces "respectability" with the closely related "dignity" while "small amount" mirrors "modicum".

a hint of credibility

Substitutes "respectability" with "credibility", emphasizing believability and trustworthiness.

a touch of honor

Replaces "respectability" with "honor", focusing on moral integrity and high regard.

a degree of repute

Uses "repute" instead of "respectability", highlighting public perception and reputation.

a shred of decency

Replaces "respectability" with "decency", emphasizing basic moral standards and behavior.

a semblance of esteem

Uses "esteem" as an alternative to "respectability", highlighting the feeling of admiration or reverence.

a fragment of prestige

Substitutes "respectability" with "prestige", focusing on widespread admiration and high social standing.

an iota of recognition

Replaces "respectability" with "recognition", highlighting acknowledgement and acceptance by others.

a whisper of good name

Substitutes "respectability" with "good name", focusing on a positive reputation and public image.

a shadow of regard

Uses "regard" as an alternative to "respectability", highlighting the feeling of respect and admiration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modicum of respectability" to describe a situation where something or someone has gained a small amount of public approval or dignity, often after facing challenges. For instance, "The politician's efforts to reform the system earned him "a modicum of respectability" despite his controversial past."

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

Some alternatives include "a small amount of dignity", "a hint of credibility", or "a touch of honor", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a modicum of respect" instead of "a modicum of respectability"?

While "a modicum of respect" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, "a modicum of respectability" specifically refers to the state or quality of being respectable. The best choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What does "a modicum of respectability" imply about the subject being described?

Using "a modicum of respectability" often suggests that the subject has faced challenges or controversy and has only managed to achieve a limited or fragile level of public acceptance. It indicates that their respectability is not fully established or widely recognized.