modest capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest capacity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to possess or have a moderate or humble ability, skill, or amount. Example: "Her modest capacity for public speaking may not stand out, but she always manages to deliver a powerful message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The singers, despite their operatic training and the modest capacity of the Broadway house, used microphones.

The New York Times

Whether he was an accountant or a convict, he had evidently also worked for Kiev Thought, if only in a modest capacity.

The New Yorker

He cautioned against a stage too high or deep (hence the modest capacity of the Symphony Hall stage, requiring a forward extension for oratorios and the like).

The New York Times - Arts

The airline's expansion plans for the coming year are modest: capacity is planned to grow by 5% compared with the 15% that is easyJet's norm.

The Economist

Only Britain and France as a legacy of their empires boast a modest capacity to project power across long distances, with spending to match (see chart 1).

The Economist

However, similar to other individual 2D materials, the electrochemical performance of MXenes was hindered by the modest capacity and the tendency of restacking.

Chemical Engineering Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Two grounds with supposedly modest capacities (approximately 25k each), completely full and emitting a feverish intensity.

The Guardian - Sport

Table 1 shows low to modest capacities on carbons (0.45−115 μg/g) with the exception of the S-impregnated material (2600 μg/g), which is one of best commercially available sorbents in this study.

Environmental Science & Technology

Even with its deficiencies, the European Union plans to have a modest military capacity by next year.

The New York Times

Measurements also produced inconsistencies: some Caucasian geniuses had very big brains, other intellectual giants had a quite modest cranial capacity.

The Guardian

Although the chip is modest in capacity — with 160,000 bits of information — the bits are crammed together so tightly that it is the densest ever made.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a limitation without sounding overly negative, use "modest capacity" to convey a sense of realistic assessment rather than outright inadequacy. This is particularly useful in technical or business contexts.

Common error

Be careful not to use "modest capacity" when a more positive or neutral term is appropriate. Overusing it can create a negative perception, even if that is not your intention. Consider using phrases like "developing capability" to convey growth potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest capacity" primarily functions as a descriptive term, where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "capacity". According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. This phrase is used to describe something possessing a limited or moderate amount of something, such as space, ability, or power.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest capacity" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe limitations in abilities, resources, or space. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted. It appears frequently in news, science, and academic contexts, conveying an objective assessment of something's limited capabilities. While it maintains a neutral register, careful attention should be paid to prevent negative interpretations. Considering alternatives such as "limited capability" or "moderate skill" might soften the tone, depending on the specific intent and audience. Be mindful of context to maximize clarity. "Modest capacity" should only be used when there is indeed a small volume or aptitude in that subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited capability

Focuses on the restriction in ability or power.

Small ability

Emphasizes the diminutive nature of the skill or talent.

Moderate skill

Highlights an average or reasonable level of expertise.

Limited potential

Stresses the constrained possibility for future development or growth.

Restricted aptitude

Indicates a natural inclination or talent that is confined or curtailed.

Humble skill

Conveys a sense of simplicity or lack of pretension in ability.

Subdued capacity

Implies a reduced or weakened level of capability.

Marginal skill

Suggests the ability is only just adequate or sufficient.

Basic aptitude

Highlights the fundamental or rudimentary level of skill.

Meager ability

Stresses the scant or insufficient nature of the capacity.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest capacity" to describe limited abilities, skills, or space. For example: "The organization has a "modest capacity" for large-scale projects due to limited funding", or "The venue has a "modest capacity" of 200 seats".

What are some alternatives to "modest capacity"?

Alternatives include "limited capability", "small ability", or "moderate skill". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "limited capacity" or "modest capacity"?

"Modest capacity" often softens the implication of a lack of ability compared to "limited capacity", making it suitable for situations where you want to acknowledge constraints without being overly critical. Choose the phrase that best aligns with the tone and context.

What's the difference between "modest capacity" and "meager capacity"?

"Meager capacity" implies a greater degree of insufficiency than "modest capacity". "Modest" suggests a reasonable limitation, while "meager" conveys that the capacity is significantly lacking. Therefore, both phrases should be used according to the context, depending on which degree of limitation is intended.