modest earnings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest earnings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of income that is not high, often implying a sense of humility or moderation regarding financial success. Example: "Despite his hard work, he only managed to achieve modest earnings from his freelance projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Before leaving, he found a number of pupils for Jules; the modest earnings from those lessons, supplemented by fees earned by both brothers as members of synagogue choirs, supported them during their studies.

Wikipedia

Target forecast "modest" earnings growth for the fourth quarter.

The New York Times

Still, the company predicted only modest earnings growth for 2003.

The New York Times

Four of the seven regional Bell operating companies reported modest earnings yesterday.

The New York Times

Yet handing the keys to Jeep to a new owner would combust even the modest earnings that are currently anticipated.

The New York Times

The company, based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., expects the transaction to improve its modest earnings growth prospects.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Because Cisco beat its modest earnings-growth target by a slim two cents a share.

The New York Times - Magazine

Without a recovery, he said, "we believe modest earnings-per-share growth is still possible".

The New York Times

The gains to higher income earners should not blind us to the benefits of placing more discretionary income in the hands of families of more-modest earnings.

Forbes

Despite the steady fall in unemployment as the economy has recovered from its worst recession since the second world war, wage inflation has been modest and earnings are currently growing at an annual rate of 2.5%.

The Guardian - Business

The U.S faces below normal growth, my shadow-laden insight adumbrating low interest rates and modest corporate earnings recovery, but don't despair.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial situations, use "modest earnings" to respectfully describe an income that is not high, implying a sense of humility or realism.

Common error

Avoid using "modest earnings" to downplay significantly low incomes; ensure the term accurately reflects the financial reality to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest earnings" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "earnings". This phrase typically describes an income that is not high or substantial. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest earnings" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an income that is not high. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this term is suitable for use in written English and is frequently found in news, business, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the financial situation being described. Alternatives like "low income" or "small income" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humble income

Implies the income is unpretentious or basic.

small income

Emphasizes the size of the income, being a direct synonym.

limited earnings

Highlights the restricted nature of the earnings.

modest wage

Replaces "earnings" with "wage", focusing on hourly or salaried compensation.

basic earnings

Highlights the basic level of income, useful for meeting fundamental needs.

low income

Focuses on the low level of income, omitting the sense of 'modesty'.

moderate income

Suggests an income that is neither high nor low, but somewhere in the middle.

meager income

Suggests a lack or deficiency in income.

small profits

Shifts the focus to business profits rather than personal earnings.

reasonable income

Implies that the income, despite being modest, is sufficient or fair.

FAQs

How to use "modest earnings" in a sentence?

You can use "modest earnings" to describe income that is not high. For example: "Despite working long hours, their "modest earnings" barely covered their living expenses."

What can I say instead of "modest earnings"?

You can use alternatives like "low income", "small income", or "humble income" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "modest earnings" or "modest salary"?

Both phrases are correct, but "modest earnings" is more general and refers to all forms of income. "Modest salary" refers specifically to income from employment. Consider using the phrase "modest wage" as well.

What's the difference between "modest earnings" and "moderate income"?

"Modest earnings" implies that the earnings are not high, perhaps surprisingly so. "Moderate income" suggests the income falls within an average range, without necessarily suggesting surprise or humility.