but only a modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but only a modest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is limited or not extensive in nature. Example: "The project received funding, but only a modest amount was allocated for marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

So Perry would be a favorite under these conditions — but only a modest one.

The New York Times - Magazine

It gets a round of applause, but only a modest one.

The Guardian

It was critically acclaimed but only a modest success, in terms of sales, though Gage didn't seem to mind.

The New York Times - Magazine

But only a modest amount seems to be done to help the country better withstand the next quake.

The New York Times

We found that room type does explain some of the variation in arthropod communities within houses (PERMANOVA: PRoom(House) < 0.001), but only a modest amount (Fig. 1).

Nature

Protein engineering has been used to amplify the biocatalytic performance of lignocellulose-modifying enzymes, but only a modest outcome has seen in biotransforming the lignocellulose-to-biofuels than that of its great success in other industrial applications.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Comparison of Fig. 4 to Fig. 5A shows that, while those datasets with nontrivial assortativities also have high wiring complexities, there are several further PPINs with a high wiring complexity but only a relatively modest assortativity.

Plosone

The effect of ALKBH5 deficiency on overall RNA stability has been evaluated, but only a very modest decrease of RNA stability was detected [26].

Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics

A small increase in percentage killed for either vaccine would effectively yield sterile protection in combination with the other, but only a very modest rate if used on its own.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

But underlying inflation showed only a modest gain.

The New York Times

But it bore only a modest resemblance to what he had filed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but only a modest" to describe results or outcomes, ensure that the contrast introduced by 'but' is clear and significant. The phrase works best when the expectation was for a larger effect or change.

Common error

Avoid using "but only a modest" when the expected outcome was already small or insignificant. The phrase is most effective when highlighting a deviation from a larger anticipated impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but only a modest" functions as a qualifier, indicating a limitation or contrast to a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used to temper expectations or describe outcomes that are less significant than anticipated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

56%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but only a modest" serves as a qualifier, tempering expectations by denoting a limited or less significant outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts such as News & Media and scientific research. While it is most effective when highlighting a contrast against an anticipated larger impact, be sure not to apply it to contexts where you expect already limited results. The key is to focus on cases where the counterpoint is that the expectation was for a more significant outcome. Using it will allow you to write more accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but just a small

Replaces "only a modest" with "just a small", emphasizing the diminutive quantity.

but merely a slight

Substitutes "only a modest" with "merely a slight", highlighting the insignificance of the change or effect.

but simply a limited

Replaces "only a modest" with "simply a limited", focusing on the restricted nature.

but barely a minimal

Substitutes "only a modest" with "barely a minimal", stressing the near absence of something.

but hardly a noticeable

Replaces "only a modest" with "hardly a noticeable", underscoring the difficulty in perceiving the change.

but just a touch of

Changes "only a modest" to "just a touch of", indicating a very small amount or degree.

but a somewhat tempered

Replaces "only a modest" with "a somewhat tempered", focusing on the moderation or restraint.

but a relatively subdued

Substitutes "only a modest" with "a relatively subdued", highlighting the lack of intensity or excitement.

but a partially constrained

Replaces "only a modest" with "a partially constrained", emphasizing the incomplete restriction.

but a reasonably checked

Substitutes "only a modest" with "a reasonably checked", highlighting the control or restraint applied.

FAQs

How can I use "but only a modest" in a sentence?

The phrase "but only a modest" is used to indicate that something is limited or not as extensive as expected. For example: "The project received funding, but only a modest amount was allocated for marketing."

What are some alternatives to "but only a modest"?

You can use alternatives like "but just a small", "but merely a slight", or "but simply a limited" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "but only a modest increase"?

Yes, "but only a modest increase" is grammatically correct. It indicates that there was an increase, but it was not substantial.

What's the difference between "but only a modest" and "but only a small"?

While both phrases indicate a limitation, "but only a modest" often implies that something was acceptable but not exceptional. "But only a small" simply indicates a reduced quantity or size.