as a modest example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a modest example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a specific instance or illustration that is not overly grand or significant, but still serves to clarify a point. Example: "There are many ways to approach this problem; as a modest example, consider the method of trial and error."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a modest example, consider tropodithietic acid and roseobacticide A, metabolites from marine proteobacteria that play key roles in a variable symbiosis between a marine microalga (Emiliania huxleyi) and the bacterial producer (Phaeobacter gallaeciensis).

ACS Synthetic Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So, up to a point, this is a modest example of a much wider disruption.

The Guardian

A modest example from a Smart Phone: they send a beacon that "informs" on you.

Huffington Post

Alec Clifton-Taylor describes the exterior of this building as a "modest but rather elegant example of composition in lancets" while Nikolaus Pevsner says of the interior "It is a wonderfully noble room" which is the "aesthetic climax of the cathedral".

Wikipedia

Since 1870, no comprehensive biography of Inhaúma has been published, even though he, according to Francisco Eduardo Alves de Almeira, "is, and always will be, important to the navy of Brazil for his example as a modest and dedicated chief".

Wikipedia

One of the best examples of Juvenalian satire is Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal.

WikiHow

But alas, as it so often does, the internet quickly managed to ruin this modest example of human decency.

Vice

Every supernova starts as a modest spark.

The New York Times - Arts

Downwarren is a modest, but picturesque, example.

Vice

The Italian spaghetti Westerns of the 1960s and 1970s, made by Leone and others, stand as a perfect example of what Europeans can achieve, working on modest budgets.

Independent

as a simple example.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a modest example" to introduce an illustration that is deliberately simple and easy to understand, especially when dealing with complex topics.

Common error

Avoid using "as a modest example" when the illustration is actually quite significant or complex. It can undermine the point you're trying to make.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a modest example" functions as an introductory prepositional phrase. It serves to preface a specific instance or illustration, signaling that the example is limited in scope and intended for clarity. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a modest example" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to introduce a simple illustration to support a broader point. While not overly common, it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. Remember to use it when you want to introduce a deliberately simple and easy-to-understand example, but avoid overstating its significance. Alternative phrases include "as a simple illustration" and "as a small example". Keep in mind its intended purpose to enhance clarity and understanding in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a small illustration

Replaces "modest" with "small", emphasizing the limited scale of the example.

as a limited instance

Substitutes "example" with "instance" and "modest" with "limited", highlighting the restricted scope of the case.

for a simple case in point

Uses "case in point" instead of "example" to suggest a specific relevant situation that exemplifies the point.

by way of a slight illustration

Replaces "example" with "illustration", while using "slight" instead of "modest" to indicate a minor instance.

to give a basic instance

Emphasizes the basic or fundamental nature of the example.

as an uncomplicated illustration

Replaces "modest" with "uncomplicated" to underline the simplicity of the example.

considering a minor case

Uses "case" instead of "example" and "minor" instead of "modest", to propose the consideration of a small matter.

for a contained illustration

Replaces "modest" with "contained" to highlight that the illustration has a limited scope.

taking a basic situation as reference

Focuses on using a simple situation as a point of comparison or reference.

as a token illustration

Substitutes "example" for "illustration" and employs "token" in place of "modest", signifying that the example is a symbolic representation of a larger trend.

FAQs

How can I use "as a modest example" in a sentence?

Use "as a modest example" to introduce a simple illustration that helps clarify a broader point. For instance, "There are several approaches to solving this; "as a modest example", consider the trial-and-error method".

What are some alternatives to "as a modest example"?

You can use phrases like "as a simple illustration", "as a small example", or "for instance" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "as a modest example"?

It's appropriate when you want to introduce an illustration that is not particularly grand or complex, but still serves to clarify your point effectively. It indicates that the example is deliberately simplified for clarity.

What is the difference between "as a modest example" and "as a prime example"?

"As a modest example" introduces a simple, perhaps understated illustration, whereas "as a prime example" introduces an illustration that is considered outstanding or definitive. The choice depends on the nature and strength of the example you are presenting.