modest expense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest expense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cost that is relatively low or reasonable, often in the context of budgeting or spending. Example: "The project was completed with a modest expense, allowing us to allocate funds to other important areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Some disliked the (modest) expense.

The New York Times

The Fidelity fund, meanwhile, carries a 3percentt load and a more modest expense ratio of 1.18percentt.

The New York Times

Deal Worth Millions What started as a modest expense for the N.C.A.A. has turned into one of the biggest drug-testing contracts in sports.

The New York Times - Sports

That is a modest expense for adding someone who had 35 homers and 140 runs batted in last season and who would give the overburdened Piazza protection.

The New York Times - Sports

They found that efforts to fight malnutrition and disease would save many lives at modest expense, whereas fighting global warming would cost a colossal amount and yield distant and uncertain rewards.That conclusion upset a lot of environmentalists.

The Economist

"We don't have an endless exhibition and marketing budget, so these kinds of collaborative or shadow arrangements often present us with an opportunity to have a wonderful, relevant exhibition at a somewhat modest expense," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The Henkenius family of rural Iowa, earning well but feeling recession all around them, are trimming their already modest expenses.

The New York Times

Peer-reviewed open-access journals, like Nature Communications and PLoS One, charge their authors publication fees — $5,000 and $1,350, respectively — to defray their more modest expenses.

The New York Times - Science

But the diplomat added that the United States has considered paying some relatively modest expenses connected with the return of the spy plane, an EP-3E propeller aircraft.

The New York Times

Braig said her wants and needs are small; she splits her modest expenses with a roommate.

Los Angeles Times

As for the costs, whatever modest new expense the county bears will be well worth the benefits of bringing a measure of fairness to a system that forces some couples and families to pay far more for their medical coverage -- or to do without it -- merely because they or their parents are gay or lesbian.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial decisions, use "modest expense" to reassure stakeholders that costs are being carefully managed. For example: "The new software was implemented at a "modest expense", ensuring efficient resource allocation."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "modest expense". While it's good to highlight cost-effectiveness, ensure the savings are proportional to the overall budget. Don't claim a "modest expense" will solve all financial problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest expense" functions as an adjective-noun phrase used to describe a cost or expenditure. It indicates that the amount of money involved is relatively small or reasonable, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest expense" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a cost that is relatively low or reasonable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately portraying the scale of the expense and its impact on the overall budget. Alternatives such as "reasonable cost" or "affordable outlay" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding the function, purpose, and register of "modest expense", writers can effectively communicate financial information with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reasonable cost

Emphasizes the fairness and justification of the price.

Low expenditure

Focuses on the small amount of money spent.

Affordable outlay

Highlights the manageability of the financial commitment.

Inexpensive price

Directly states the low cost of something.

Nominal fee

Suggests a very small and almost symbolic charge.

Reduced overhead

Implies lower operational costs.

Budget-friendly cost

Highlights suitability for those with limited budgets.

Minimal charge

Emphasizes the slightness of the expense.

Small price

Directly indicates a low monetary value.

Economical option

Highlights the cost-effectiveness of a choice.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest expense" to describe a cost that is relatively low or reasonable. For example: "The project was completed with a "modest expense", allowing us to allocate funds to other important areas."

What are some alternatives to "modest expense"?

You can use alternatives like "reasonable cost", "low expenditure", or "affordable outlay" depending on the context.

What does "modest expense" imply about the overall budget?

Using "modest expense" implies that the cost is small relative to the overall budget and that the expenditure is not expected to cause financial strain.

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

Yes, "modest expense" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business reports, academic papers, and other professional documents where cost-effectiveness is being discussed.