modest competence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest competence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of skill or ability that is sufficient but not exceptional, often in a professional or academic context. Example: "While she may not be an expert, her modest competence in the subject allows her to contribute meaningfully to discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As a director, Chaplin has been called "inadequate" and of "very modest competence"; his filmmaking efforts are, at best, considered a vehicle for his fine performances.

The New Yorker

Motor Sport also noted the car´s modest competence in comparison with the Rover 2300 (launched 1976), saying that the Tagora had more leisurely acceleration.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

L* - low competence and H*- high competence.

BMC Health Services Research

In countries where those failures are severe and cannot be corrected, an incautious opening of the economy to foreign capital is likely to do much more harm than good.Reaching a modest minimum competence in regulation and economic policy is crucial for the emerging-market economies.

The Economist

However, several recent reports have shown that E. coli can express modest genetic competence in certain conditions that can arise in its environment [18] [25].

Plosone

However, several recent reports have shown that E. coli can express modest genetic competence in certain conditions that may arise in its environment.

Plosone

Several studies have demonstrated significant, but modest, correlations between competence and outcome in CBT for depression (Webb et al., 2010).

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Moreover, according to McQuade et al. [ 71], being socially successful combined with modest perceptions of competence is a protective factor against behavioral problems.

BMC Psychiatry

The specific real-world validity of functional competence is modest and this information is largely redundant with standard cognitive performance.

BMC Psychiatry

The friends who spoke said that despite Brian's range of competence he was modest and self-effacing.

The New Yorker

There is strong evidence linking PSE to parental competence, and more modest linkage to parental psychological functioning.

Clinical Psychology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest competence" to describe a skill or ability that is sufficient for a task but not necessarily exceptional. It's useful when you want to acknowledge a level of proficiency without overstating it.

Common error

Avoid using "modest competence" when describing expert-level skills. The phrase is best suited for situations where the ability is adequate but not outstanding; overusing it can diminish the perceived skill level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest competence" functions as a descriptor, combining an adjective ("modest") with a noun ("competence") to qualify the degree of skill or ability. It characterizes a level of capability that is present but not outstanding, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest competence" describes a level of skill that is adequate but not exceptional. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, including news, science, and professional settings. While not highly frequent, it serves as a useful descriptor for setting realistic expectations or providing honest evaluations of abilities. Related phrases include "basic proficiency" and "adequate capability".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic proficiency

Emphasizes the fundamental level of skill, suggesting a starting point of competence.

adequate capability

Focuses on the sufficiency of the ability, highlighting that it meets the necessary requirements.

sufficient expertise

Highlights that someone has enough skills to complete a job.

reasonable skill

Suggests a satisfactory level of ability, implying it's within acceptable limits.

limited proficiency

This alternative phrase shifts from positive to neutral. It shows competence at a basic level.

moderate skill

Highlights the intermediate level of ability, showing a good grasp of skills.

serviceable capacity

Focuses on the functionality of the ability, stressing that it's suitable for practical use.

acceptable aptitude

Highlights that the level of ability meets minimum criteria or expectations.

passable skill set

Suggests a barely adequate set of skills. Implies that the skill is good enough.

workable know-how

Emphasizes the practical understanding and ability to apply knowledge effectively.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest competence" to describe a sufficient but not exceptional level of skill. For example: "Despite his "modest competence", he managed to complete the project successfully.".

What are some alternatives to "modest competence"?

Alternatives include "basic proficiency", "adequate capability", or "sufficient expertise", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "modest competence" or "high competence"?

The choice depends on the actual skill level. Use "modest competence" when the ability is adequate but not outstanding, and "high competence" when the skill level is exceptional.

What does it mean to have "modest competence" in a subject?

Having "modest competence" in a subject means you have a sufficient understanding and skill to perform basic tasks related to that subject, but you may not have the expertise to handle complex or advanced challenges.