it was modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was modest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is humble or not overly extravagant, often in reference to achievements, behavior, or appearances. Example: "Her response to the award was modest, as she downplayed her contributions to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

And though it had a big cast and a ton of scenes, it was modest in its presentation — more a series of spontaneous sketches than giant production numbers.

The New Yorker

Of brick and limestone, it was modest considering its designers: John Carrère and Thomas Hastings, who were at that time working on the New York Public Library, and were generally known for opulent architecture.

The New York Times

Its original aim, on the face of it, was modest: to improve the accountability of managers to shareholders, and hence to calm the raging crisis of confidence in American capitalism aroused by the scandals at Enron, WorldCom and other companies.

The Economist

As jingoism goes, it was modest.

The New York Times

"It was modest, but it was where we expected them to come in," Thompson said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Some years it was modest profit, and in some years we did extremely well.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It is modest.

The New York Times - Sports

It's modest.

The Guardian

It's modest, but moving in the right direction.

Cornell University

Her virtual "brocante," as she calls it, is modest.

The New York Times - Travel

To him, puppetry is fine the way it is: modest.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was modest", ensure the context provides a clear point of comparison. For example, "While the initial investment was modest, the returns have been substantial."

Common error

Avoid using "it was modest" when you intend to convey that something was insufficient or inadequate. "Modest" implies a deliberate restraint or lack of extravagance, not necessarily a deficiency. Use words like 'inadequate' or 'insufficient' instead if that's your meaning.

Linguistic Context

It was modest functions as a descriptive phrase, typically serving as a predicate adjective phrase following a subject and a linking verb ("was"). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It often qualifies a noun, indicating its limited size, scope, or degree. Examples from Ludwig show its use across diverse contexts like describing profits, budgets, or accomplishments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was modest" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase employed to describe something as limited, restrained, or unassuming. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register that suits both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context provides a clear point of comparison and to avoid implying inferiority when the intention is simply to convey a lack of extravagance. Alternatives such as "it was unassuming" or "it was humble" can provide nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was reasonably humble

Replaces 'modest' with 'reasonably humble', focusing on a lack of pride or ostentation.

it was unremarkable

Replaces 'modest' with 'unremarkable', emphasizing a lack of distinction or impressiveness.

it was quite unassuming

Substitutes 'modest' with 'quite unassuming', highlighting a lack of pretension or arrogance.

it was somewhat limited

Substitutes 'modest' with 'somewhat limited', highlighting a restriction or constraint.

it was fairly subdued

Replaces 'modest' with 'fairly subdued', suggesting a reduction in intensity or display.

it was somewhat conservative

Substitutes 'modest' with 'somewhat conservative', suggesting a careful or cautious approach.

it was rather restrained

Substitutes 'modest' with 'rather restrained', focusing on controlled or suppressed expression.

it was relatively small-scale

Replaces 'modest' with 'relatively small-scale', emphasizing the limited size or scope.

it was not excessive

Replaces 'modest' with a negative, focusing on the absence of extravagance or excess.

it was comparatively trivial

Replaces 'modest' with 'comparatively trivial', suggesting a minor or insignificant nature.

FAQs

How can I use "it was modest" in a sentence?

Use "it was modest" to describe something that is limited in size, scope, or amount, or that lacks pretension. For example, "Although the budget was modest, the team managed to produce excellent results."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was modest"?

You can use alternatives like "it was unassuming", "it was humble", or "it was limited" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was modest" when describing a small achievement?

Yes, "it was modest" can be used to describe a small achievement, often to downplay its significance or to express humility. However, ensure that this doesn't come across as dismissive if the achievement is important to someone.

What is the difference between "it was modest" and "it was minimal"?

"It was modest" suggests restraint or a deliberate limitation, whereas "it was minimal" implies the smallest possible amount or degree. "It was modest" might describe a celebration, while "it was minimal" might describe the effort put into a task.