fairly modest

USAGE SUMMARY

'fairly modest' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something with qualities that are not extravagant or extreme. For example, "She had a fairly modest lifestyle, preferring to save her money rather than spend it extravagantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think fairly modest".

The New York Times

Fairly modest stuff.

The Guardian - Film

That's a fairly modest rise.

Independent

The remedy Lewis ordered was fairly modest.

The New Yorker

But mostly these proposals seem fairly modest.

The Economist

But individual success stories are fairly modest.

The New Yorker

The QP study should be fairly modest in scope.

Stanford University

That seems a fairly modest increase compared to recent years.

Harvard University

Four years ago, what we did was fairly modest".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet the success of the A-listers was fairly modest.

The Economist

That willingness is fairly modest, to be sure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing achievements or qualities, use "fairly modest" to convey humility and avoid exaggeration. For example, "Despite her success, she maintained a fairly modest lifestyle."

Common error

Avoid using "fairly modest" excessively when describing your own accomplishments, as it can come across as insincere or lacking confidence. Instead, focus on stating facts and letting others form their own opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly modest" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate a limited or moderate degree of a particular quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fairly modest" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something as being moderate or limited in degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, aim to convey humility and avoid exaggeration, and be mindful of potential overuse in self-deprecating contexts. Related phrases include "somewhat understated" and "relatively limited", offering alternative ways to express a similar sentiment. Be sure to consider the subtle differences between these options when choosing the most appropriate phrase for your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonably moderate

Emphasizes the balance and avoidance of extremes.

relatively limited

Substitutes "fairly modest" with "relatively limited", focusing on a restricted quantity or scope.

comparatively small

Focuses on the reduced size or amount involved.

somewhat understated

Replaces "modest" with "understated", emphasizing a lack of exaggeration.

somewhat subdued

Replaces "modest" with "subdued", suggesting a quiet or restrained nature.

quite restrained

Uses "restrained" instead of "modest", suggesting a controlled or subdued quality.

moderately conservative

Replaces "modest" with "conservative", highlighting a cautious or restrained approach.

rather unassuming

Replaces "modest" with "unassuming", emphasizing a lack of pretension or arrogance.

noticeably gentle

Highlights the mild or delicate nature.

slightly tempered

Uses "tempered" instead of "modest", indicating a reduction in intensity or force.

FAQs

How can I use "fairly modest" in a sentence?

You can use "fairly modest" to describe something that is moderate in size, amount, or degree. For instance, "The company experienced "fairly modest growth" this year."

What are some alternatives to saying "fairly modest"?

Alternatives include "somewhat understated", "relatively limited", or "moderately conservative", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fairly modest" in formal writing?

Yes, "fairly modest" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise term would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "fairly modest" and "very modest"?

"Fairly modest" suggests a moderate degree of modesty, while "very modest" implies a higher degree. The choice between the two depends on the extent to which you want to emphasize the modesty in question.