modest difference is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest difference is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a small or insignificant variation between two or more items, concepts, or situations. Example: "The study revealed that the modest difference is not enough to warrant a change in policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Here, too, the mean difference in the two values very slightly disfavors the doubled vectors (− 0.008, regression slope = 0.989), but given the large sample size this modest difference is also statistically reliable (t(292) = − 2.94, p = 0.004).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

This modest difference is not clinically or biologically significant.

Breast Cancer Research

This modest difference is likely attributable to the greater relative contribution of secondary aerosols to PM2.5, resulting in a more homogenous spatial distribution of PM2.5 than PM10.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Only a modest difference was found for those who had previously worked as nursing assistants.

Plosone

A modest difference was indeed noted, but it averaged only a single point on a 24-point scale.

BMC Nephrology

The contributing factors to this modest difference are unknown, but they are likely to include a higher incidence of hypertension that requires treatment in black vs. white patients, as it is known to be a risk factor for trastuzumab-induced cardiac toxicity [ 28].

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

Plasma NGAL increased with the reduction of GFR in CKD patients from stage 2. In the different CKD stages modest differences were found for BNP values.

Critical Care

Only modest differences were found for BNP in the different CKD stages, while BNP was markedly increased in MHD patients.

Critical Care

In contrast, relatively modest differences were observed in combined intakes of fruit and vegetable servings.

British Journal of Nutrition

However, attrition was low, and only modest differences were observed, between included and excluded children.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Only modest differences were found in PPV levels and sensitivity across the sites.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "modest difference is", ensure the context clearly establishes the items or concepts being compared. Provide specific data or observations to support the claim of a modest difference.

Common error

Avoid using "modest difference is" when the actual difference is substantial or statistically significant. Overstating a modest difference can undermine the credibility of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest difference is" functions as a descriptive statement used to qualify the extent of a dissimilarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and serviceable. The expression is used to acknowledge that there is some disparity, but the scale of this difference is small.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest difference is" serves to downplay the importance of a dissimilarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and is generally used in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. While the expression is not excessively common, it effectively communicates that any existing variation is small. Be careful not to overstate the significance of a so-called "modest difference", because it can undermine the credibility of your analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight variation exists

Replaces "modest difference" with "slight variation" and uses a different verb.

small disparity is present

Substitutes "modest difference" with "small disparity" and employs a more formal tone.

minor distinction is apparent

Replaces "modest difference" with "minor distinction" offering a more nuanced expression.

subtle contrast is observed

Uses "subtle contrast" instead of "modest difference", highlighting the delicate nature of the variation.

limited divergence is noted

Replaces the original phrase with a more formal and technical alternative.

marginal difference exists

Emphasizes the insignificance of the difference.

the variation is minimal

Focuses on the minimal aspect of the variation.

a negligible difference is present

Highlights the insignificance of the difference.

the distinction is slight

Highlights the subtle aspect of the distinction.

a trivial difference is found

Conveys that the difference is unimportant or insignificant.

FAQs

How can I use "modest difference is" in a sentence?

Use "modest difference is" to describe a slight or small variation between two or more things. For example, "The "modest difference is" not statistically significant."

What's a good alternative to "modest difference is"?

Alternatives include "slight variation exists", "small disparity is present", or "minor distinction is apparent". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "modest difference is" in formal writing?

Yes, "modest difference is" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts, where precise language is important. It clearly conveys the magnitude of the difference being discussed.

What does it mean when someone says "the difference is modest"?

It means that while there might be a difference, it is small and likely not very important or impactful. The phrase often implies that the "difference" is not significant enough to warrant major changes or concern.