modest aim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest aim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a goal or objective that is not overly ambitious or grandiose, often implying a sense of humility or realism. Example: "The organization has set a modest aim of increasing community engagement by 10% over the next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

That is hardly a modest aim.

The New York Times

Don't most first sentences achieve that modest aim?

The New York Times

Her modest aim is to slow her body's disintegration.

The New York Times

Elena Martinez, a New York folklorist, had a more modest aim for the Latin Grammys.

The New York Times

Instead, it has the modest aim of transforming society for the sake of women and men.

The Guardian - Books

Mr McNeill's modest aim is to assess what humanity has done to its environment throughout history.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The Ditchley Park conference has set only modest aims.

The New York Times

These days, scientists tend to have more modest aims.

The Guardian

These days politics and culture have more modest aims.

The New York Times - Books

Some are modest, aiming to change the behavior of individual workers.

The New York Times

But the new wave of chefs have both more modest aims and an urban attitude.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest aim" when you want to downplay the ambition of a goal, making it seem more achievable and less threatening or grandiose.

Common error

Avoid using "modest aim" when you actually mean the goal is insignificant or unimportant. "Modest" refers to the scale of the ambition, not necessarily the value of the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest aim" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective modifying the noun "aim". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes a goal or objective that is not overly ambitious or pretentious.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest aim" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a goal or objective that is not overly ambitious. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When writing, use "modest aim" to temper expectations and suggest feasibility, but avoid using it when you mean to convey insignificance. Alternatives include "humble goal" and "limited objective".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humble goal

Emphasizes the humility and lack of arrogance in the objective.

limited objective

Focuses on the restricted scope and ambition of the aim.

small ambition

Highlights the reduced scale of the desired outcome.

realistic target

Suggests an achievable goal based on practical considerations.

achievable objective

Stresses the feasibility and attainability of the goal.

practical goal

Highlights the pragmatism and usefulness of the objective.

unambitious target

Underscores the lack of grand aspirations in the aim.

simple objective

Focuses on the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the aim.

restrained ambition

Highlights the controlled and moderate level of aspiration.

conservative goal

Implies a cautious and risk-averse approach to the objective.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest aim" to describe a goal that is not overly ambitious. For example: "Their "modest aim" is to improve customer satisfaction by 5%."

What are some alternatives to "modest aim"?

Alternatives include "humble goal", "limited objective", or "achievable objective". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to have a "modest aim" or an ambitious one?

Neither is inherently better. A "modest aim" may be more realistic and attainable, while an ambitious one may lead to greater innovation or progress. The ideal approach depends on the circumstances.

What's the difference between a "modest aim" and a "realistic goal"?

While similar, a "modest aim" emphasizes the scale of the ambition, whereas a "realistic goal" focuses on the feasibility and likelihood of success. A "realistic goal" might still be quite ambitious, but grounded in reality, while a "modest aim" is, by definition, limited in scope.