modest budget

USAGE SUMMARY

'modest budget' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a budget that appears small or limited in comparison to others. For example, "The company had to work with a modest budget in order to make their project successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It has a modest budget for freelancers.

The Economist

His rumbustious 1977 directorial debut had grossed over $100m – an enormous return on its modest budget.

The Guardian - Film

In a small country with a modest budget, he played extremely high stakes, and won.

The New Yorker

He announced a modest budget surplus and a steady drop in unemployment.

The New York Times

Congressional committees have not begun to examine the proposals and the modest budget increases for NASA.

The New York Times - Science

This troupe and its inventive director, Albert Bergeret, accomplish a great deal on a modest budget.

The New York Times

"The house was a mess and we had a modest budget".

The New York Times

Their already modest budget will have to shrink from €46m to €40m next season.

The Guardian - Sport

"This collection has been assembled on a comparatively modest budget," he said.

The New York Times

The group has a modest budget, some $3.7m last year according to public filings.

The Guardian

Residents voted down a first budget proposal and approved a more modest budget last month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In financial reports or discussions, "modest budget" can be used to set expectations for the scale and scope of activities that can be undertaken.

Common error

Avoid using "modest budget" when the funding is so low that it severely hinders the project's ability to succeed. "Modest" implies manageability with careful planning, while severely inadequate funding suggests a more critical situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest budget" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "modest" modifies "budget". It indicates that the financial resources available are limited but not necessarily inadequate. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a usable and acceptable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest budget" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a limited financial plan. Ludwig AI validates its usability, and numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread use. While it implies financial constraints, it also suggests the possibility of achieving goals through careful planning. Alternatives like "shoestring budget" or "limited financial resources" can offer different nuances. Remember to avoid using it when funds are severely inadequate. It's frequency of use is high in News & Media, making this expression very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shoestring budget

Implies a very minimal and restrictive budget.

limited financial resources

Focuses on the constraint of having limited funds available.

tight purse strings

Emphasizes the careful management and restriction of spending.

constrained financial plan

Highlights the limitations and restrictions within a financial plan.

small expenditure allowance

Specifically refers to the limited amount of money allocated for spending.

economical financial plan

Suggests a focus on frugality and cost-effectiveness.

lean financial backing

Indicates minimal financial support or investment.

frugal spending plan

Highlights a plan designed around careful and thrifty spending.

restricted monetary allowance

Focuses on the constraints placed on the amount of money available.

austere fiscal arrangement

Suggests a strict and economical approach to financial management.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest budget" to describe a financial plan that is limited in size. For example, "The film was a surprise hit, considering it was made on a "modest budget".".

What are some alternatives to saying "modest budget"?

Alternatives include "shoestring budget", "limited financial resources", or "tight purse strings", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "modest budget" in formal writing?

Yes, "modest budget" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and professional way to describe a limited financial plan without being overly negative. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

What's the difference between "modest budget" and "low budget"?

"Modest budget" suggests a manageable limitation that requires careful planning. "Low budget", on the other hand, can imply a more significant constraint that might impact the quality or scope of the project. The choice depends on the context and the degree of limitation you want to convey.