modest document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a document that is simple, unpretentious, or not overly elaborate in content or presentation. Example: "The report was a modest document, providing only the essential information without any unnecessary embellishments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Kyoto protocol is a modest document because the text was concluded on terms thought to accommodate the US negotiating position, which at the time provoked furious protests from European environmentalists.

The Guardian

If they are allowed to set an agenda, and are given high political backing, then the modest document coming out of the summit could be transformed in time into a world-changing process.

The Guardian

"Without a doubt, the conduct uncovered in this investigation helped sow the seeds of the mortgage meltdown," said Eric Holder, America's attorney general, in a prepared statement.But Mr Holder's words were only backed-up by a remarkably modest document, an 11-page "statement of fact".

The Economist

De Mistura hopes the modest document will form the basis for reconvened talks starting in the second week of April, and will argue that the fact neither the talks nor the cessation of hostilities have collapsed in the past fortnight represents a platform on which to build.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He lowered his sights from presenting a grand plan for a final peace to be signed by the Palestinians and Israelis to a much more modest American document, perhaps just a presidential statement.

The New York Times

We emphasise that the relatively modest effects we document is a major phenomenon to explore.

Plosone

Starting from the modest premise of documenting several months of Pina Bausch's performances and rehearsals in the summer of 1983, the director Chantal Akerman realized one of the greatest of all syntheses of dance and cinema.

The New Yorker

A significant portion of Tribeca has been a historic district since the early nineties — that is, every building in the district is potentially protected as a landmark, and every one, no matter how modest, has been documented and catalogued by the commission.

The New Yorker

When I first got to know him, in 2010, he was traversing Europe, in possession of what he claimed was a roster of modest international leaks: documents about the BBC, Canadian detainees, Hungarian finance, Romanian police, Israeli diplomacy, and "some Russian and Chinese stuff that I can't read".

The New Yorker

This report is limited by the modest number of documented cases, drawing attention to the dearth of NS studies.

Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology

As a solution we suggest a simple and modest approach for documenting and verifying computational analysis pipelines.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrasing like "simple document" or "introductory document" if "modest document" doesn't quite fit the nuance you're aiming for.

Common error

While "modest document" is acceptable, it might sound too informal or self-deprecating in some professional or academic settings. Opt for more neutral terms like "concise report" or "summary document" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest document" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "document". It is used to describe the nature or characteristics of a particular document. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest document" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, often employed to describe a document that is simple, limited, or unpretentious. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and while its frequency is uncommon, it appears in various contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, consider synonyms such as "simple document" or "limited document" for nuanced expression. In formal settings, phrases like "concise report" may be more suitable. The phrase serves to manage expectations and indicate a document's simplicity or lack of complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple document

Replaces "modest" with a synonym emphasizing lack of complexity.

unassuming document

Uses "unassuming" to highlight the document's lack of pretension.

small-scale document

Focuses on the limited size or scope of the document.

limited document

Emphasizes the restricted content or scope of the document.

humble document

Replaces "modest" with a synonym implying lack of arrogance or ambition.

basic document

Suggests the document contains only fundamental elements.

introductory document

Highlights that the document serves as a preliminary overview.

concise document

Emphasizes the document's brevity and lack of unnecessary detail.

brief document

Focuses on the short length of the document.

understated document

Highlights the document's lack of exaggeration or embellishment.

FAQs

What does "modest document" mean?

A "modest document" is a document that is simple, unpretentious, or limited in scope and ambition. It suggests the document is not overly elaborate or comprehensive.

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

You might say, "The Kyoto protocol is a "modest document" because the text was concluded on terms thought to accommodate the US negotiating position."

What are some alternatives to "modest document"?

You can use alternatives like "simple document", "unassuming document", or "limited document" depending on the context.

Is "modest document" formal or informal?

The term "modest document" is generally considered neutral, but it can lean toward informal depending on the specific context. In very formal settings, alternatives like "concise report" or "summary document" might be more appropriate.