modest acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest acquaintance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or familiarity with someone that is not deep or extensive. Example: "Although we are only modest acquaintances, I appreciate the kindness you've shown me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In "The Eternal Frontier" Flannery synthesizes a vast range of scientific studies and a decent selection of historical and cultural writings, leavening those with his own forceful ideas and a modest acquaintance with the landscape, in order to explain America, in the largest sense, to Americans -- and to everyone else.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yet many old acquaintances concede that the modest style of the new pope is not some newly adopted pose, but was a central feature of his most recent job as archbishop of Buenos Aires.Paul Vallely, a British writer on religion, tries to tease out these paradoxes in a professionally, if rapidly, researched book.

The Economist

Consistent Our Acquaintance looks best in the modest apprentice sprint at Windsor (2.30) after being dropped 4lb by the handicapper to a lowly mark of 65.

The Guardian - Sport

Talk in a small group of acquaintances.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Under the Presidency of Adolphe Thiers, an indulgent acquaintance, he got off rather easily at first, with six months in jail (painting still-lifes) and a modest fine.

The New Yorker

"Delete them," the acquaintance responded.

The New York Times

One Facebook acquaintance suggested "cinesthesia".

The New Yorker

Pleased to make my acquaintance".

The New York Times - Books

"In-teresting," one acquaintance said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jim Trusdale was a mere acquaintance.

The New Yorker

Robert: Modest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a relationship, use "modest acquaintance" to indicate a superficial or not very deep connection between two people. It's suitable when the level of interaction is minimal.

Common error

Avoid using "modest acquaintance" when referring to close friends or family. This phrase suggests a limited or casual relationship, not one of deep connection or intimacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest acquaintance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "acquaintance". It specifies the nature and extent of the relationship, indicating a superficial or slight connection. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest acquaintance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a relationship that is not deep or extensive. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for use in written English and is often found in news and media contexts. While less frequent than alternatives like "casual acquaintance" or "slight acquaintance", it provides a precise way to express the limited nature of a connection between people. Be sure to use it when you want to clearly convey a superficial or minimal relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casual acquaintance

Replaces "modest" with "casual", implying a slightly more relaxed or less formal relationship.

slight acquaintance

Substitutes "modest" with "slight", suggesting a minimal level of familiarity.

superficial acquaintance

Replaces "modest" with "superficial", indicating a lack of depth in the relationship.

passing acquaintance

Uses "passing" instead of "modest", highlighting the brief or transient nature of the connection.

tenuous connection

Emphasizes the weakness and uncertainty of the relationship, differing more significantly from the original phrase.

limited familiarity

Shifts from describing a person to describing the level of familiarity, indicating a lack of extensive knowledge.

brief association

Focuses on the limited duration of the relationship, highlighting its temporary nature.

nodding acquaintance

Highlights a minimal, visual recognition, rather than a deeper interaction.

distant connection

Implies a lack of closeness or intimacy in the relationship.

formal introduction

Suggests the acquaintance is limited to a single formal encounter, lacking ongoing interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest acquaintance" to describe someone you know only slightly. For example, "Although we are only modest acquaintances, I appreciate your help."

What's a more common alternative to "modest acquaintance"?

Alternatives include "casual acquaintance" or "slight acquaintance", which are more frequently used to describe someone you know but not very well.

Is "modest acquaintance" formal or informal?

"Modest acquaintance" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though "casual acquaintance" may be preferred in very informal situations.

What does it mean to be a "modest acquaintance"?

Being a "modest acquaintance" implies that you have a limited or superficial relationship with someone; you know them, but not on a personal or intimate level.