even if modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even if modest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or applicable regardless of the modesty of the situation or subject being discussed. Example: "The project was a success, even if modest in scale, and it provided valuable insights for future initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Presumably, the second finding is automatic: Any penalty, even if modest, is borne by the corporation's shareholders.

Columbia University

Even if modest compared to other kinds of major infrastructure, we are still talking about large sums of taxpayer's money.

The Guardian

Do they sense the improvements, even if modest — or do they see a lack of "possible selves" in the upper ranks and direct their energy elsewhere?

The New York Times

And even if modest variations on the original plan are found to be necessary, they should be transparently negotiated by all the stakeholders.

The New York Times

"Also, when people are losing weight, even if modest, their metabolic changes can seem larger than they actually are – one needs to see results once folk return to their habitual state after they've finished losing weight.

The Guardian

Together, these data indicate that an increase in myofibroblast force generation, even if modest and temporary (1 day), can have lasting effects on myofibroblast persistence in tissues, and that a significant reduction in the ability of the cells to generate tension is required to trigger dedifferentiation and/or apoptosis.

Acta Biomaterialia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A splash of vinegar adds acidity, even if your modest wine lacks it.

The New York Times

But a final deal could take years, which undercuts some of the urgent European support, founded on benefits, even if relatively modest, for economic growth and jobs.

The New York Times

Until then, the authorities will reach for low-hanging fruit: uncontroversial changes that move in the right direction and could have some, even if only modest, effects on growth but that are limited in ambition.

The New York Times

And even if the modest confrontations now happening are mere tremors, rather than earthquakes, they may end up helping to reshape the political landscape.Consensus or confrontation?So far Europe has seen two different methods of economic reform.

The Economist

It got the job done — buses continued stopping upon request — and even if the modest tape-touch seemed inadequate to the task, most New Yorkers had moved on by the time the next M15 rolled around.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even if modest" to acknowledge a limitation or constraint while emphasizing a positive outcome or continued validity. This shows balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "even if modest" in overly simple sentences where its nuance is lost. Instead, opt for direct language that strengthens the core point without unnecessary qualification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even if modest" functions as a concessive conjunction, introducing a condition that doesn't negate the main clause. It serves to acknowledge a potential limitation or qualification while affirming the overall statement, as verified by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even if modest" functions as a concessive conjunction, used to acknowledge a limitation without negating the main point. It's grammatically correct, commonly used across various contexts including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business and considered neutral in tone, according to Ludwig AI. While there are semantically related alternatives, like "even if slight" or "despite its small size", the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in simplistic sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even if marginally

Highlights minimal impact or effect.

even if only somewhat

Emphasizes a partial or incomplete state.

despite a small degree

Highlights overcoming a minor obstacle or limitation.

even should it be subtle

Highlights a nuanced or understated quality.

even if somewhat understated

Focuses on a degree of expressiveness.

even with a slight chance

Emphasizes a small possibility rather than the size of an attribute.

even on a reduced scale

Focuses on the extent or scope being smaller.

notwithstanding a limited capacity

Suggests something holds true despite constraints.

even given a small amount

Focuses on quantity rather than degree or quality.

even considering a small extent

Implies taking a small factor into account.

FAQs

What does "even if modest" mean?

The phrase "even if modest" suggests that a statement remains true or valid, regardless of whether the subject's size, extent, or impact is small or limited. It's used to indicate that the main point holds true, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.

How can I use "even if modest" in a sentence?

You can use "even if modest" to qualify a statement, showing that it remains true despite a possible limitation. For example: "The improvement, "even if modest", is still a step in the right direction."

What are some alternatives to "even if modest"?

Some alternatives include "even if slight", "even if minimal", or "despite its small size". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "even if modest" or "even though modest"?

Both "even if modest" and "even though modest" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Even if" implies a hypothetical situation, while "even though" implies a known fact. Choose the one that best fits the context of your sentence.