it was very modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very modest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is humble or not extravagant, often in reference to a person's behavior, an event, or an object. Example: "The artist's exhibition was a success, but it was very modest in terms of the number of pieces displayed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Even then it was very modest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(A Republican bias, although it was very modest, shows up in 2010.

The New York Times

It was very modest".

Vice

Although some meaningful improvement in function also occurred, it was very modest at 1.6%, 1.3%, and 7.7%, respectively.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In fact, it's very modest.

The New York Times

Then he added, "If they want us to have some presence, even if it's very modest after the end of December, they're going to have to come to a conclusion and make a request pretty quick".

The New York Times

"We think it's very modest, especially when you consider how much money is being spent on the war in Iraq," Ms Blake-Hannah said, pointing out that reparation advocates had estimated the damages owed to descendants of African slaves in the trillions of US dollars.

The Guardian

Rather, we will develop a conservative upper bound on the cost of the proposed intervention, and show that it is very modest in GNP terms.

Plosone

My Cuban upbringing was very modest and it helped me appreciate every bit of what I did have.

Vice

"He was very modest.

Independent

"I was very modest".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing achievements or possessions, use "it was very modest" to convey humility and avoid appearing boastful. For example, "My contribution to the project was very modest, but I'm glad I could help."

Common error

Avoid using "it was very modest" when you intend to express strong disapproval or inadequacy. While it can imply simplicity or lack of extravagance, it doesn't always convey a serious deficiency. Choose stronger terms if that's your goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very modest" functions as a descriptive statement, where "it" refers to a previously mentioned subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase suggests that something was humble, simple or not extravagant.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was very modest" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something as humble, simple, or lacking extravagance. As Ludwig AI has shown, the phrase is utilized in various contexts, including News & Media and Science. Although the phrase is more frequent in these areas, the user should not feel discouraged from using it in other contexts if it reflects their intent. Alternatives include "it was quite understated" and "it was fairly unassuming". As a final point, using "it was very modest" allows the speaker to create a sense of humility and restraint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was quite understated

Replaces "very modest" with "quite understated" focusing on a subtle or restrained quality.

it was fairly unassuming

Substitutes "very modest" with "fairly unassuming" highlighting a lack of pretension or showiness.

it was rather humble

Replaces "very modest" with "rather humble", emphasizing a sense of humility or simplicity.

it was remarkably simple

Shifts the focus to the simplicity of the subject, suggesting a lack of complexity or extravagance.

it was surprisingly low-key

Highlights the low-key or subdued nature of the subject, emphasizing a lack of fanfare or excitement.

it was exceptionally restrained

Emphasizes the controlled or limited nature of the subject, suggesting a conscious effort to avoid excess.

it was notably unpretentious

Focuses on the lack of pretension or affectation, highlighting the genuine or sincere nature of the subject.

it was somewhat minimal

Replaces "very modest" with "somewhat minimal" suggesting the bare essentials are present.

it wasn't extravagant at all

Directly contrasts with extravagance, emphasizing the lack of lavishness or excess.

it was nothing to boast about

Highlights a lack of impressive qualities. Implies that it was not something that would be shown off.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was very modest" to describe something that is humble, simple, or not extravagant. For instance, "Although the celebration was enjoyable, "it was very modest" in terms of decorations and guest count".

What's a more formal alternative to "it was very modest"?

A more formal alternative could be "it was quite understated" or "it was remarkably simple", depending on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was very modest"?

The phrase is appropriate when describing something that intentionally avoids being showy, extravagant, or boastful. It can also be used to downplay one's own accomplishments or contributions to avoid appearing arrogant. An example is "it was rather humble".

Is there a difference between saying "it was modest" and "it was very modest"?

Yes, adding "very" intensifies the degree of modesty. "It was modest" suggests a simple lack of extravagance, while ""it was very modest"" emphasizes that the subject was particularly humble or restrained.