a modicum of wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modicum of wisdom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or limited amount of wisdom or knowledge. Example: "Even with a modicum of wisdom, one can make better decisions in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

How else can we "obtain a modicum of wisdom"?

The New York Times

Along with the award -- a check for $100,000 -- Walesa bestowed a modicum of wisdom.

Huffington Post

Desmond Tutu: I certainly don't think we are oracles but I would hope that over our lifetimes we have accumulated some useful experience and perhaps even a modicum of wisdom!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

During the mid-1960s, the conventional wisdom was what everyone with a modicum of smarts kept saying: higher U.S. troop levels in Vietnam were absolutely necessary.

Huffington Post

To try a modicum of turtle blood here and a little aspirin there is not the hallmark of wisdom and even-mindedness.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modicum of wisdom" when you want to suggest that someone possesses a small, but significant, amount of good judgment or understanding, especially when contrasted with a lack thereof.

Common error

Avoid using "a modicum of wisdom" too frequently, as it can sound pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a little wisdom" or "some sense" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modicum of wisdom" functions as a noun phrase that describes a small or limited quantity of wisdom. It is typically used to qualify someone's understanding or judgment, as shown in Ludwig's examples where it is used to suggest a valuable, though perhaps limited, degree of insight.

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 wisdom" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a small but significant amount of wisdom. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its usage is relatively rare, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, lending a formal tone to writing. Alternatives like "a little wisdom" or "a hint of wisdom" can provide similar meaning in more casual settings. When using "a modicum of wisdom", consider the context and audience to ensure the level of formality is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of wisdom

Replaces "modicum" with "hint", suggesting a slightly smaller or more subtle amount of wisdom.

a touch of wisdom

Substitutes "modicum" with "touch", implying a delicate or subtle presence of wisdom.

a small amount of wisdom

Replaces "modicum" with the more explicit phrase "small amount", making the meaning clearer.

a little wisdom

Uses "little" instead of "modicum", offering a simpler and more common way to express a small quantity of wisdom.

a degree of wisdom

Replaces "modicum" with "degree", implying a measurable but limited amount of wisdom.

some degree of wisdom

Adds "some" to "degree of wisdom", softening the claim while retaining a sense of limited quantity.

a trace of wisdom

Uses "trace" instead of "modicum", suggesting a minimal or barely perceptible amount of wisdom.

a spark of wisdom

Replaces "modicum" with "spark", implying a small but potentially illuminating instance of wisdom.

a shred of wisdom

Substitutes "modicum" with "shred", suggesting a fragmentary or incomplete portion of wisdom.

a grain of wisdom

Replaces "modicum" with "grain", implying a very small and perhaps essential element of wisdom.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modicum of wisdom" to suggest that someone possesses a small amount of good judgment or understanding. For example: "Even "with a modicum of wisdom", one can navigate complex situations effectively."

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

Alternatives include "a little wisdom", "a hint of wisdom", or "some degree of wisdom". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a modicum of wisdom" or "some wisdom"?

"A modicum of wisdom" implies a smaller, more limited amount than "some wisdom". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the limited nature of the wisdom.

When is it appropriate to use "a modicum of wisdom" in writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing where you want to convey that someone possesses a small but valuable amount of understanding. It may sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation.