modest effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a effort that is not overly ambitious or impressive. For example, "Though their results are not extraordinary, the team put in a modest effort in their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is a modest effort.

The New York Times

Yet even that modest effort failed.

The New York Times

Despite private fund-raising and public proposals, this modest effort drew criticism on Internet message boards.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a respectful, streamlined and appealingly modest effort that lets Jaffe's working girls speak for themselves.

The New York Times

A modest effort to raise $1,000 proved to just a beginning.

The New York Times - Sports

E: A modest effort where no one will stare at you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The president's order is a modest effort that, while possibly helpful, is unlikely to resolve the problem soon or entirely.

The New York Times - Health

Yale built its house at 30 West 44th in 1902, at 11 stories far overtopping Harvard's modest effort.

The New York Times

In summation, Neil has made a modest effort to serve the communities in which he has lived.

The New York Times

But with just $195 million in new funding, the task force is considered an exceedingly modest effort.

The New York Times

Deputy Mayor Robert M. Harding also expressed support for the plan, although he saw it as a more modest effort.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest effort" to accurately represent situations where the undertaking isn't particularly ambitious or resource-intensive. This helps manage expectations and avoid overstating the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "modest effort" when describing initiatives that are clearly significant or require substantial resources. Doing so can undermine the perceived value and importance of the undertaking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest effort" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'modest' modifies the noun 'effort'. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is used to describe an action or endeavor that is not particularly large, ambitious, or resource-intensive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an undertaking that is not particularly ambitious or resource-intensive. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts and serves to set realistic expectations or acknowledge limitations. While versatile, ensure the phrase aligns with the actual scale of the endeavor to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small undertaking

Emphasizes the limited scope of the activity.

limited attempt

Highlights the restricted nature of the try.

slight endeavor

Indicates a minimal exertion of energy.

humble initiative

Focuses on the unassuming character of the project.

simple measure

Stresses the uncomplicated nature of the action.

basic step

Highlights the foundational aspect of the action.

token gesture

Implies the action is primarily symbolic.

minor contribution

Emphasizes the relatively small impact of the contribution.

minimal exertion

Focuses on the low level of effort required.

tentative stab

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of commitment.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest effort" to describe an undertaking that is not overly ambitious or resource-intensive. For example, "With a "modest effort", we were able to improve the system's efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "modest effort"?

Some alternatives to "modest effort" include "small undertaking", "limited attempt", or "slight endeavor", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "modest effort" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "modest effort" is suitable for formal writing, as it is a clear and professional way to describe an undertaking of limited scale. However, ensure it accurately reflects the situation to maintain credibility.

What's the difference between "modest effort" and "significant effort"?

"Modest effort" implies a small amount of work or resources invested, while "significant effort" suggests a substantial investment. The choice depends on the scale and intensity of the endeavor being described. Use "considerable effort" to sound more authoritative in your context.