modest capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of ability or skill that is not overly impressive but still functional or adequate. Example: "The software has a modest capability for data analysis, making it suitable for small projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For some reason, the comment he made on 6 January, 2009, at a meeting of state chief ministers, when he described the Maoists as having only "modest capabilities", doesn't seem to have had the same raw appeal.

The Guardian - Opinion

The film's pleasures, then, which are many, have mostly to do with musical excellence wholly out of whack with the film's modest capabilities.

Vice

In fact, the published experience with epratuzumab in lymphoma, in which cell killing is presumably necessary for efficacy, suggests that this agent has only very modest capabilities when used alone and unaltered.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

In a year of near-record-low ice, the Vladimir Tikhonov's more modest icebreaking capability saw it most of the way through the Northern Sea Route with little help.

The Economist

The Soft X-ray Spectrometer onboard the Astro-H is a 6 × 6 X-ray microcalorimeter array and provides us with both a high energy resolution of <7 eV at 0.5 10 keV and a 3′ × 3′ modest imaging capability for the first time.

Cryogenics

The protection relaying in such grids is not trivial: it must be very reliable, robust to the converter control system׳s effect on the post fault transients and act quickly, before the fault current develops beyond the presently modest interrupt capability of DC breakers.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

But talking about bombing Israeli cities with Syria's modest military capability and record of confrontation does not make sense and the timing of the summit with Ahmadinejad is not a strategic coup per se.

HuffPost

For example, IBM's 1964-model Selectric typewriter with a magnetic tape drive predated bit-mapped graphics and had only modest formatting capabilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because of its modest refining capabilities, most of Mexico's refined products are imported from U.S. and other refineries that process Mexican oil.

Britannica

The New Jersey Repertory Company valiantly strains its modest stage capabilities to present the world premiere of "American Stare," a new play by Tony Glazer that demands six actors and a realistic setting for a contemporary story that takes place in a trailer park in South Florida.

The New York Times

Pervasive/Ubiquitous Computing: is a technological paradigm centred on the dispersion of a variety of devices with, sometimes modest, computing capabilities.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "modest capability", ensure the context clearly indicates the area or task to which the limited ability applies. For example, "The software has a modest capability for data analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "modest capability" when the actual ability is non-existent or completely inadequate. "Modest" implies some functional capacity, however small.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest capability" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to qualify a noun by indicating a limited degree of skill, ability, or capacity. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest capability" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a limited but functional degree of skill or ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct for use in written English. While not appearing frequently in the analyzed data, its usage is appropriate in neutral to formal contexts such as science, news, and professional settings. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define the context to which the capability applies and avoid exaggerating the actual ability. Alternatives like "limited capacity" or "basic competence" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited capacity

Focuses on the restriction in the amount that can be handled or produced.

basic competence

Highlights the fundamental skills or knowledge in a particular area.

rudimentary skill

Emphasizes the undeveloped or প্রাথমিক level of expertise.

simple aptitude

Refers to a natural ability that is not highly developed.

moderate skill set

Indicates a medium level of ability.

average proficiency

Denotes a level of skill that is typical or standard.

humble talent

Underscores a modest or unassuming level of natural ability.

restricted ability

Highlights the limitations on what can be done.

minor competence

Suggests a small degree of skill or knowledge.

small potential

Focuses on the limited future capability for growth or development.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest capability" to describe something that has limited ability or skill in a particular area. For example, "The device has a "modest capability" for image processing."

What are some alternatives to "modest capability"?

Alternatives include "limited capacity", "basic competence", or "rudimentary skill", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "modest capability" or "limited ability"?

Both phrases are similar, but "modest capability" might suggest a slightly more functional ability than "limited ability". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What does "modest capability" imply?

It implies that something has some level of ability or skill, but it is not particularly impressive or advanced. It suggests functionality exists, but is "not robust" or comprehensive.