modest comments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest comments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe comments that are humble or not overly assertive in nature. Example: "Her modest comments about her achievements reflected her humble personality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Mark XI seemed to preen itself a little, and we half expected the visible knob of brains atop it to type out some politely modest comment.

The New Yorker

"The Mississippi legislature has been meeting since the first Tuesday in January, and they have yet to get around to anything besides ways of strengthening every form of segregation," he said, and, permitting himself the luxury of a modest comment, added, "After they get that taken care of, they'll probably take a couple of weeks to settle the minor affairs of state business".

The New Yorker

It means that we will call out the climate denial of our rivals, not as some peripheral and modest comment but a fundamental flaw that should disqualify candidates from public office.

Huffington Post

I know some recipients of knighthoods who dismiss them with amusement and mock-modest comments of the type: "It doesn't mean much to me but it's such a thrill for Lady [insert name of wife]." But the effect is much more serious.

Independent

Swift, it seemed, was too modest to comment herself, though the donation was confirmed by multiple outlets.

Independent

In a more modest, short comment, The Economist agrees.

Huffington Post

Lynn Nadel, Tucson, Ariz.: With a few modest changes, your comments about the lack of legitimacy of the Hamas government could apply to the Bush administration, too, which has arbitrarily rejected the international agreements of its predecessors, and acted in ways that are profoundly antidemocratic within the U.S. as well as externally.

The New York Times

In communicating modest findings or commenting on developments in their field, some experts become enthusiastic, if not zealous.

The New York Times - Health

In its modest fashion, Film Comment Selects helps offset the calamitous state of foreign-language film distribution by highlighting work that hasn't (yet) inspired the love and guts it takes to put a subtitled movie in American theaters.

The New York Times

Two additional key issues regarding the U.S. EPA's interpretation (U.S. EPA 2011d) of the cancer epidemiologic evidence for kidney cancer, NHL, and liver cancer have been raised in peer review and public comments: the modest magnitude of the RRm estimates for the three cancer types, and the role of meta-analysis within a causality determination.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The owner gives the teachers bonuses for the parents' comments, a modest $5 cash bonus for every emailed compliment received.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or professional writing, "modest comments" can indicate a balanced and objective assessment, avoiding exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "modest comments" as a generic placeholder. Instead, provide concrete examples of the comments' content and impact. For instance, rather than saying, 'The presentation received modest comments,' specify, 'The presentation received comments praising its clarity, but suggesting more detailed data analysis'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest comments" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "comments". According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe feedback or remarks that are intentionally understated or not boastful, implying humility or a lack of pretension.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest comments" is a phrase used to describe remarks or feedback that are intentionally understated, humble, or lacking in boastfulness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase where "modest" modifies "comments". Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki, with a generally neutral register. To enhance clarity in writing, avoid using "modest comments" as a vague placeholder and instead provide specific details about the content and impact of the comments. Related phrases include "understated remarks" and "humble opinions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understated remarks

Emphasizes the subtle and reserved nature of the comments.

humble opinions

Highlights the humility and lack of arrogance in the views expressed.

reserved observations

Stresses the cautious and restrained delivery of the comments.

unassuming remarks

Focuses on the lack of pretension or showiness in the comments.

low-key statements

Indicates a subtle and subdued quality of the comments.

restrained commentary

Suggests controlled and measured expression in the comments.

mild remarks

Highlights the gentle and non-aggressive character of the comments.

limited feedback

Emphasizes the restricted or minimal nature of the input.

tempered opinions

Suggests a moderation or balance in the views expressed.

subtle insights

Emphasizes the delicate and nuanced nature of the observations.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest comments" to describe feedback or remarks that are intentionally understated or not boastful. For example: "Despite the success of the project, the team delivered "modest comments" during the review."

What are some alternatives to "modest comments"?

Some alternatives to "modest comments" include "understated remarks", "humble opinions", or "reserved observations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "modest comments"?

The phrase "modest comments" is appropriate in contexts where humility, understatement, or a lack of boastfulness is desirable or expected. This can include academic discussions, professional reviews, or personal reflections.

What is the difference between "modest comments" and "minimal comments"?

"Modest comments" refers to the tone or content of the remarks being understated or humble, while "minimal comments" refers to the quantity or extent of the feedback. You might receive "minimal comments" if few people provided feedback, and "modest comments" if the feedback, though substantial, was delivered in a restrained manner.