are very modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are very modest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is humble or does not boast about their achievements or qualities. Example: "Despite her numerous awards and accolades, she always insists that her colleagues are the real heroes and that she is just doing her job; she truly are very modest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Our goals are very modest.

The New York Times

Most are very modest users.

The Guardian

However, the effects are very modest and not statistically significant.

The New York Times

Now he is saying they are very modest.

The Guardian

Apart from handling images from a digital camera, my computing requirements are very modest.

The Guardian - Tech

The benefits at stake are very modest; most participants receive roughly $45 in vouchers a month.

The Guardian

"As you do in television interviews, you speak quietly and are very modest.

The Telegraph

The Coyles' lives are very modest, but still threatened by outside and inside forces.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"He was very modest.

Independent

She is very modest.

The Guardian

"He's very modest.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing achievements or goals, using "are very modest" can add a touch of humility and prevent sounding boastful. It is helpful to follow up with specific details to contextualize the modesty, such as, "Our goals "are very modest": we aim to increase efficiency by 5% this quarter".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "are very modest" without providing specific context or examples. Overusing it can come across as insincere or lacking in substance. Always follow up with concrete details to support the claim of modesty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very modest" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically used to qualify nouns related to goals, achievements, or qualities. It indicates that something is limited in scope, scale, or ambition. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used and easily understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are very modest" serves as a descriptive adjective phrase used to indicate that something is limited in scope, scale, or ambition. It's grammatically sound and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary purpose is to convey humility, manage expectations, or provide an accurate representation of something's limited nature. While the phrase is suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to provide supporting details to ensure sincerity and avoid ambiguity. The phrase finds frequent application in news, science, and business domains. Related alternatives include "are quite unassuming" and "are fairly humble". Always contextualize the expression to ensure it aligns with the intended message and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are quite unassuming

Emphasizes a lack of pretension or arrogance; subtly different in suggesting a natural quality of being unassertive.

are fairly humble

Focuses on the quality of humility, suggesting a modest self-assessment.

are exceptionally unpretentious

Highlights a lack of affectation or showiness, focusing on genuine simplicity.

are extremely understated

Focuses on a subtle and restrained presentation, downplaying importance or significance.

are rather limited

Highlights the constrained scope or extent of something, shifting focus from personal attributes to objective limitations.

are notably unostentatious

Emphasizes the absence of flamboyant display or extravagance; suitable for describing styles or behaviors.

are quite restrained

Suggests a deliberate effort to keep something within bounds, emphasizing control and moderation.

are remarkably simple

Emphasizes the lack of complexity or elaboration; less about humility and more about straightforwardness.

are surprisingly plain

Highlights simplicity to the point of being unexpected, often in contrast to expectations.

are unusually reserved

Emphasizes a tendency to avoid drawing attention or expressing oneself openly, focusing on quietness and discretion.

FAQs

How can I use "are very modest" in a sentence?

You can use "are very modest" to describe goals, achievements, or even personal qualities, emphasizing their limited scale or unassuming nature. For example, "The improvements we've seen "are very modest", but represent a good starting point."

What's a more formal alternative to "are very modest"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "are quite unassuming" or "are fairly humble" to maintain a professional tone while conveying a similar sense of limited scale or achievement.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "are very modest"?

It's suitable when you want to downplay your own accomplishments or describe something as being small in scale or ambition. Ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

Is there a difference between saying something "is modest" and saying it "is very modest"?

Yes, adding "very" intensifies the degree of modesty. While "is modest" suggests a general lack of pretension or ambition, "is very modest" emphasizes that quality to a greater extent.