he is modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is modest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a humble opinion of their own abilities or achievements. Example: "Despite his numerous accolades, he is modest and never boasts about his success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

He is modest and circumspect.

The New York Times

He is modest about them.

The Economist

He is modest.

The Guardian - Music

He is modest, but not shy.

The Economist

In person, he is modest and engaging.

The Economist

He is modest and soft-spoken.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"He was modest and dignified.

The New Yorker

In the end, he was modest.

The New York Times - Books

He was modest about his achievements.

The New Yorker

He was modest and humane.

The Guardian

He was modest and polite.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is modest" when you want to convey that someone doesn't exaggerate their achievements or abilities. It suggests a sense of humility and lack of arrogance.

Common error

Avoid using "he is modest" to suggest someone lacks skill or confidence. Modesty is about downplaying accomplishments, not necessarily lacking them. Use words like "insecure" or "underconfident" instead if you want to describe lack of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is modest" functions primarily as a descriptive statement. It attributes the quality of modesty to a male subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound. Many examples in Ludwig showcase how it's used to characterize individuals in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is modest" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe someone who possesses humility and avoids boasting about their achievements. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates a positive character trait. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like ""he is humble"" or ""he is unassuming"" exist, "he is modest" offers a clear and widely understood way to convey the absence of arrogance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is unassuming

Focuses on the lack of pretension or showiness in his character.

he is humble

Emphasizes a low view of one's own importance or achievements.

he is unpretentious

Highlights the absence of attempts to impress others.

he is self-effacing

Suggests a tendency to make himself less noticeable or important.

he doesn't boast

Directly addresses the lack of bragging about accomplishments.

he is reserved

Highlights his quiet and controlled behaviour, often implying a lack of showiness.

he is demure

Implies shyness and modesty, especially in a woman.

he is temperate

Focuses on moderation and self-control in his behaviour and claims.

he is subdued

Highlights a quieter and less assertive demeanor.

he keeps a low profile

Emphasizes his preference for avoiding attention.

FAQs

How can I use "he is modest" in a sentence?

Use "he is modest" to describe someone who doesn't boast or brag about their accomplishments. For example: "Despite his incredible success, "he is modest" and always credits his team."

What are some alternatives to "he is modest"?

Alternatives include "he is humble", "he is unassuming", or "he is self-effacing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone says "he is modest"?

Saying "he is modest" means the person doesn't exaggerate their abilities or achievements. They tend to downplay their successes and avoid bragging.

Is it a good thing to be described as "he is modest"?

Generally, yes. Being called "he is modest" is usually positive, indicating humility and a lack of arrogance. However, extreme modesty could be misinterpreted as a lack of confidence.