little more modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little more modest" is not correct as it is missing the article "a" before "little." The correct phrase would be "a little more modest." You can use it when comparing the modesty of two things or suggesting a slight increase in modesty.
Example: "I think we should aim for a little more modest approach in our presentation to appeal to a wider audience."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Abe is a little more modest about his abilities.

The Washington Post

Hynde's own ambitions are a little more modest for Stockholm, in keeping with a debut artist.

The Guardian - Music

He's a little more modest than the others, his smile is a little wonkier.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Data hub FiveThirtyEight's numbers are a little more modest, putting Trump's odds of victory just north of 15%.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or, to make the issue a little more modest: What is true of Hass's stronger, earlier poetry that isn't true of his more recent writing?

The New York Times - Books

Undeterred, Trump told the audience watching one of the many Republican primary debates that his plans for a border wall were a little more modest than initially described.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

All of the towns remain little more than modest administrative and commercial centres, but because of the discovery of uranium ore Agadez has experienced a spectacular growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Rather than top-line, performing-arts-center-type seats, it may be a little bit more modest seating, more along the lines of a black-box design," Beazley said.

Los Angeles Times

He died in a small private sanitarium, little more than a modest inn where therapy consisted mostly of the "silence cure".

The New York Times - Books

That has forced Mr. da Silva to shelve, at least temporarily, the ambitious social programs he promised, leaving him little more than a modest Zero Hunger plan, which remains stalled.

The New York Times

The polls suggest little more than a modest recovery in Labour's previously ghastly position, and there is not much left to conceal about the problems that will face the country in the next parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options or approaches, use "a little more modest" to suggest a less extreme or assertive alternative. For example, "I think we should aim for a little more modest marketing campaign this year."

Common error

A common error is omitting the article "a" before "little." The correct phrase is "a little more modest". Using "little more modest" is grammatically incorrect and can sound awkward or unnatural. Pay special attention to this subtle but important distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a degree of modesty relative to something else. Ludwig AI suggests the inclusion of the article 'a' before "little" for grammatical correctness. The examples demonstrate its use in comparing levels of ambition, plans, or even physical spaces.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little more modest" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a relative degree of modesty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically incorrect due to the omission of the article 'a' before "little". The correct form is "a little more modest". Despite its grammatical flaw, the phrase is frequently used in various contexts, especially in news and media, to express a less extreme or assertive approach. Remember to include the article "a" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat more restrained

Replaces "modest" with "restrained", suggesting a curbing of excess or flamboyance.

slightly more subdued

Uses "subdued" instead of "modest", highlighting a reduction in intensity or activity.

a tad more understated

Employs "understated" to emphasize a lack of obviousness or exaggeration.

a bit more conservative

Substitutes "modest" with "conservative", implying a cautious or traditional approach.

somewhat less extravagant

Focuses on the opposite of "modest" by describing a reduction in extravagance.

slightly more demure

Replaces "modest" with "demure", focusing on reserved and modest behavior.

a little more humble

Swaps "modest" for "humble", highlighting a lack of pride or arrogance.

somewhat more discreet

Uses "discreet" instead of "modest", focusing on avoiding attention or causing embarrassment.

a bit less ambitious

Shifts the focus to a decrease in ambition rather than modesty.

slightly more unpretentious

Replaces "modest" with "unpretentious", highlighting a lack of affectation or showiness.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "little more modest"?

According to standard English grammar, the phrase "little more modest" is missing the article 'a'. The grammatically correct phrase is "a little more modest".

What does "little more modest" mean?

The phrase "a little more modest" suggests something is slightly less grand, bold, or assertive compared to something else. It implies a reduction in intensity or extravagance.

What are some alternatives to "little more modest"?

Alternatives include "somewhat more restrained", "slightly more subdued", or "a bit more conservative", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "little more modest" in a sentence?

You can use "a little more modest" to describe a less extreme version of something. For example, "Perhaps we should present a little more modest proposal to the board this time".