modest audience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest audience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or unassuming group of people attending an event or presentation. Example: "The speaker was pleased to see a modest audience gathered to hear her talk about environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But I've built a modest audience and a name.

The New York Times - Books

But his Web site has found a modest audience of race fans, gay and straight.

The New York Times - Sports

The bar was so low that even a modest audience might be interpreted as huge growth.

The New York Times - Sports

ABC's "Rookie Blue" earned decent ratings at 9 (6.4 million), while the network drew a more modest audience at 10 for "Boston Med" (4.7 million).

The New York Times - Arts

NBC was fourth, garnering a modest audience (7.1 million) for "The Biggest Loser" from 8 to 10, followed by "Parenthood" (4.8 million).

The New York Times - Arts

The four tuba players we heard at Broadway and 63rd were more enjoyable, and then we headed to Herald Square, where six bagpipers had drawn a modest audience.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

In the world of television, "Mad Men" is notorious for drawing great press and modest audiences.

The New York Times

ABC won the night over all, despite more modest audiences for "Samantha Who?" (11.4 million) and "Boston Legal" (9.1 million).

The New York Times - Arts

(The Met also presents a series of summer recitals in smaller sites in parks around the city, which are pleasant events that attract modest audiences).

The New York Times - Arts

Despite their modest audiences, the two culinary reality shows helped Fox win the night in the sought-after demographic of adults 18 to 49.

The New York Times - Arts

NBC ranked fourth in total viewers, with modest audiences for "The Biggest Loser" (7.5 million) and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (9.4 million).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the size of an audience, consider the context. Use "modest audience" when you want to downplay expectations or highlight a situation where a large turnout wasn't anticipated.

Common error

Avoid using "modest audience" when the actual attendance is significantly higher. Exaggerating modesty can undermine credibility and appear disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest audience" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "audience". It describes the size of a group of people, often in relation to expectations or comparisons, in line with Ludwig's assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest audience" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a small or unassuming group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to provide a descriptive assessment of audience size. While alternatives like "small viewership" or "limited attendance" exist, "modest audience" carries a subtle nuance of understatement. Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding exaggeration, to maintain credibility. The phrase's consistent use across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and general acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small viewership

Emphasizes the size of the viewing public specifically for broadcast media.

limited attendance

Focuses on the number of people present at an event or gathering.

unassuming gathering

Highlights the understated nature and size of the group.

restricted participation

Implies that only a small number of people are actively involved.

select group

Suggests a small, possibly exclusive or carefully chosen, assembly of people.

niche following

Indicates a small, specialized group of fans or supporters.

compact assembly

Highlights the small and tightly-knit nature of a gathering.

minor turnout

Focuses on the disappointing or unexpectedly low number of attendees.

understated patronage

Emphasizes the quiet and subtle support from a limited number of people.

controlled intake

Implies a deliberate restriction on the size of the audience or participants.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "modest audience" in a sentence?

You can use "modest audience" to describe a small gathering. For example, "Despite the rain, a "modest audience" attended the outdoor concert".

What's a good alternative to "modest audience"?

Alternatives to "modest audience" include "small viewership", "limited attendance", or "niche following", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "modest audience"?

It's appropriate when the number of people present is smaller than expected or typical. It's also useful when contrasting the audience size with the event's significance or impact, as the Los Angeles Times writes when comparing Mad Men's cultural impact to its "modest audience".

Is "modest audience" the same as "small audience"?

While similar, "modest audience" carries a slightly more understated tone than "small audience". It suggests not only a small size but also perhaps a humble or unpretentious nature.