modest food

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest food" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe food that is simple, unpretentious, or not extravagant, often in the context of a meal or dining experience. Example: "After a long day of hiking, we enjoyed a meal of modest food, consisting of bread, cheese, and fresh fruit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

* I'm assured you misquote modest food critic Michael Winner at your peril.

Independent

Mr. Pierce, who crunched more modest food service numbers at Dartmouth before he came to UConn, likes the math.

The New York Times

The downtown, a mere block and a half, is choked with traffic and double-parked sport utility vehicles; the modest Food Emporium is no longer sufficient.

The New York Times

To watch a match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium costs a minimum of 50,000 rupiah – too expensive for many of the team's supporters, for whom a meal in a modest food stall in Jakarta costs 15,000 rupiah.

The Guardian

But some of the world's largest and poorest countries experienced rapid economic growth and only modest food inflation, so the number of people facing food insecurity in nations like China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam actually went down at that time, he said.

The New York Times

There are fights over maintaining low taxes on the uber-wealthy, while attempting to cut or even eliminate modest food subsidies to the neediest.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is however important to point out that this study has its limitations: the sample size is rather modest, the food intake data are based on personal food questionnaires which are prone to underreporting, and the researchers do not substantially control for the overall balance of the diet, as people who eat much animal protein tend to consume less fruit or vegetables for example.

Aging Cell

These shopping emporiums, reflecting the culinary diversity of the Americas — "ultramarinos" translates roughly to "from beyond the seas" — are the inspiration for a modest specialty food shop on an unassuming block in Hoboken.

The New York Times

If he is safe, his sense of each will derive in part from what he sees: a place to live, modest comforts, food, hospitable people, FaceTime conversations with people back home, football, television.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fifteen years later, that consent decree, toughened in 2003 to allow the F.D.A. to impose fines for failing to properly identify, handle and report quality control problems, has produced only modest improvements, food and drug officials said.

The New York Times

Salaries at Schwa are modest, but food costs make up an astronomical 60% of the take-in.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest food" when you want to convey simplicity and lack of extravagance in a meal or dining experience. It's effective for describing situations where the focus is on nourishment rather than indulgence.

Common error

Avoid using "modest food" when you actually mean that the food is inadequate or lacking. "Modest food" implies simplicity, not necessarily a lack of quantity or quality. If you intend to convey inadequacy, consider using phrases like "scarce food" or "meager rations" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest food" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "food". As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. It describes food that is simple, unpretentious, or not extravagant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest food" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe simple, unpretentious meals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and effectively conveys a lack of extravagance. It sees the greatest usage in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives like "simple fare" or "humble meal" offer similar meanings, while it is important to avoid confusing "modest food" with insufficient or inadequate nourishment. When aiming to accurately represent food that is basic and affordable, "modest food" is an appropriate and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple fare

Focuses on the simplicity of the food itself, rather than the quantity or cost.

humble meal

Emphasizes the unpretentious nature of the meal.

plain cooking

Highlights the straightforward preparation method.

basic sustenance

Focuses on the food's primary function of providing nourishment.

economical dishes

Directly refers to the cost-effectiveness of the food.

inexpensive cuisine

Similar to economical dishes, but emphasizes the style of cooking.

frugal provisions

Highlights the careful and thrifty use of resources.

affordable meals

Emphasizes the accessibility of the food in terms of price.

budget-friendly food

Similar to affordable meals, but with a more contemporary tone.

unpretentious eats

Focuses on the lack of extravagance in the food.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest food" to describe a simple meal or dining experience, such as: "After a long day of work, a meal of modest food was all I needed." or "The restaurant offered "simple fare" at reasonable prices, making it a great option for budget-conscious diners."

What are some synonyms for "modest food"?

Some synonyms for "modest food" include "simple fare", "humble meal", and "plain cooking". These phrases all convey the idea of food that is unpretentious and straightforward.

Is "modest food" always a negative term?

No, "modest food" is not necessarily negative. It often describes a meal that is sufficient and satisfying without being extravagant. The connotation depends on the context; it can be positive in situations where simplicity is valued.

What's the difference between "modest food" and "gourmet food"?

"Modest food" refers to simple, unpretentious meals, whereas "gourmet food" implies high-quality ingredients and elaborate preparation. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of dining experiences.