modest effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or limited impact or influence of something in various contexts, such as research findings or changes in policy. Example: "The new marketing strategy had a modest effect on sales, leading to only a slight increase in revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's a modest effect," he said.

The New York Times

Surveys published before the referendum have showed only a modest effect on consumer confidence.

The Guardian - Business

And the policy had only a modest effect on the makeup of Princeton's student body.

The New York Times

In the end, Dr. Graham's presentation had only a modest effect on the committee.

The New York Times

Some legal specialists said that even the new earnings-stripping regulations will have a modest effect.

The New York Times

However, they are certain there is a modest effect caused by tobacco alone.

The Guardian

"Each gene at most has a quite modest effect on the illness".

The New York Times

The ensemble cast, though fantastically talented, are used to modest effect.

The Guardian - Film

Doing so could have a modest effect on the country's total emissions.

The New York Times

However, context had only one modest effect on eye movements.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

In a similar way, key assignments have only a modest effect on the error entry rate.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modest effect", quantify the effect if possible to provide a clearer understanding of its magnitude (e.g., "a modest effect of 5%").

Common error

Avoid presenting a "modest effect" as a major breakthrough or significant finding. Ensure your language accurately reflects the limited scope of the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest effect" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "modest" modifies the noun "effect". It typically describes the degree or extent of an impact or influence, indicating that it is present but not substantial. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest effect" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small or limited impact, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in both scientific and news contexts to temper expectations and provide an accurate assessment of results. While there are several alternatives, such as "slight impact" or "limited influence", it's crucial to avoid overstating the significance of a "modest effect". When using this phrase, it's best practice to quantify the effect whenever possible. The frequency of use suggests it is well accepted in both formal and informal language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight impact

This alternative focuses on the impact being small, similar to "modest effect".

limited influence

This alternative emphasizes the restricted scope of the effect or influence.

marginal result

This term highlights the result as being on the edge or borderline of significance.

minor consequence

This emphasizes the unimportance of the outcome or result.

negligible impact

This indicates the impact is so small it's almost not worth considering.

subtle effect

This suggests the effect is not immediately obvious but still present.

small change

Focuses on the change being minimal.

weak impact

Indicates that the impact, although present, is not strong.

limited outcome

Emphasizes that the result of something was not expansive or significant.

constrained influence

This highlights that the influence was restricted in some way.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest effect" to describe a small or limited impact. For example: "The intervention had a "modest effect" on patient outcomes" or "The new policy had a "modest effect" on the economy".

What are some alternatives to "modest effect"?

Some alternatives to "modest effect" include "slight impact", "limited influence", or "marginal result", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "modest effect" in formal writing?

Yes, "modest effect" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts where precise language is important. However, ensure that the context warrants its use and that it accurately reflects the magnitude of the impact being described.

How does "modest effect" differ from "significant effect"?

"Modest effect" implies a small or limited impact, whereas "significant effect" indicates a substantial and noteworthy impact. The choice between the two depends on the actual magnitude and importance of the observed effect. A "significant effect" is often statistically meaningful and practically relevant, while a ""modest effect"" may be present but not particularly impactful.