as a modest contribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a modest contribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you are providing something of small or humble value to a larger effort or cause. Example: "I am submitting this paper as a modest contribution to the ongoing discussion about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If McCain wins, think of this column as a modest contribution to cheering up distraught liberals.

The New York Times

Either way, his novel The Savage Detectives – typically considered his masterpiece – can be seen as a modest contribution to stoner literature.

The Guardian

In announcing the deployment, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates described the addition of armed Predators as "a modest contribution" to the NATO attack mission.

The New York Times

JAMES R. OESTREICH As a modest contribution to celebrations of the bicentennial of Felix Mendelssohn, the classical music critics of The New York Times list here some of their favorite Mendelssohn recordings.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

However, reducing ventilation as part of these measures will embed changes for millions of dwellings that may carry substantial detrimental (as well as positive) effects on health while making only a modest contribution to energy efficiency.

British Medical Journal

This is not, I think, an insoluble problem, and as it happens, I have a modest contribution to offer.

The New York Times - Magazine

I remember thinking, only four years ago as my first child entered school, that a modest contribution to the PTA was my only cash obligation to New York City's public schools — beyond being a dutiful taxpayer, of course.

The New York Times

Concerning presynaptic structures, it is likely that Purkinje cell recurrent collaterals have only a modest contribution to synapses on interneurons, as their contacts onto basket cells are rare [3].

Plosone

Growth either made only a modest contribution to the factors that mattered most (such as the internal workings of NGOs or the family-planning programme, which people wanted anyway).

The Economist

This movie might itself make a modest contribution to rewriting the history of white South Africa.

The Guardian - Film

"I saw what it was like," Mr. Steinhardt recalled, "and made a modest contribution".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a modest contribution" when you want to downplay the significance of your input while still acknowledging its value to the overall effort. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "as a modest contribution" when the contribution is, in reality, substantial or critical to the outcome. Overly downplaying a significant contribution can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a modest contribution" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It typically indicates the manner or extent to which someone or something is contributing to a larger effort. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a modest contribution" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that expresses a small or humble input to a larger goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly suitable for use in English writing. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and formal business communication, with a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the actual significance of the contribution to maintain credibility. Alternatives include "as a small offering" or "as a humble input", providing writers with varied options to express the intended meaning. Ludwig examples confirm consistent applicability across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a small offering

Emphasizes the humility and relative insignificance of the contribution.

as a humble input

Highlights the unassuming nature of the contribution.

as a minor addition

Focuses on the incremental aspect of the contribution.

as a slight addition

Emphasizes the small size of the contribution.

as a limited part

Stresses the restricted scope of the involvement.

as a token gesture

Implies that the contribution is symbolic rather than substantial.

as a partial element

Focuses on the incomplete nature of the contribution.

as a symbolic act

Highlights the representative nature of the contribution.

as a component

Highlights that QUERY represents a component of something larger.

as a fractional share

Emphasizes the proportional nature of the contribution.

FAQs

What does "as a modest contribution" mean?

It means offering something small or limited to a larger effort or cause. It's a way of expressing humility or recognizing that your input is not the only factor at play.

What can I say instead of "as a modest contribution"?

You can use alternatives like "as a small offering", "as a humble input", or "as a minor addition" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "as a modest contribution" in a formal setting?

Yes, it can be used in formal settings to express humility and acknowledge the collaborative nature of a project. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall communication style.

When should I avoid using the phrase "as a modest contribution"?

Avoid using it when your contribution is actually quite significant or crucial to the outcome. It's better to accurately represent the importance of your role than to downplay it unnecessarily.