modest gains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest gains" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe small or moderate improvements or increases in a particular context, such as finance, performance, or progress. Example: "The company reported modest gains in revenue this quarter, indicating a steady but slow recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

European stocks showed modest gains.

The New York Times

Most others believe in more modest gains.

The New York Times

C1 Modest Gains for Stocks Stocks eked out modest gains.

The New York Times

But these are modest gains.

The Guardian

Technology stocks, however, eked out modest gains.

The New York Times

Other cooking magazines posted modest gains.

The New York Times

Data shows modest gains so far.

The New York Times

In North America and Europe, airports had only modest gains.

The New York Times

In addition, a strengthening dollar held stocks to modest gains.

The New York Times

As the recovery continues, more modest gains can be expected.

The New Yorker

Investors in developed countries saw far more modest gains.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modest gains", ensure the context provides a clear baseline for comparison. Quantify the gains whenever possible to provide a more concrete understanding of the progress made. For example, "The company reported modest gains in revenue, increasing by 3% this quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "modest gains" to describe outcomes that are actually significant or substantial. This can mislead your audience and undermine the credibility of your statement. Instead, reserve "modest gains" for situations where the improvement is truly limited or incremental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest gains" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "modest" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "gains". This phrase is used to describe improvements or increases that are limited in scope or size. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modest gains" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes small or incremental improvements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the "gains" are indeed modest and not overstated. Alternatives like "slight improvements" or "marginal increases" offer similar nuances. When employing this phrase, aim for clarity and quantify the gains to provide a more precise understanding of the progress made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight improvements

Focuses on the act of improving, emphasizing the small degree of change.

small advances

Highlights the forward movement or progress, but on a limited scale.

marginal increases

Emphasizes that the increases are at the very edge of significance.

limited progress

Focuses on the restricted or confined nature of the advancement made.

minor advancements

Highlights the insignificance of the advancements.

incremental steps

Emphasizes a slow and gradual process with very small steps.

gradual growth

Focuses on the slow and steady nature of the growth process.

subtle upticks

Emphasizes the delicate and barely noticeable increase.

gentle ascents

Suggests a smooth and unpronounced rise.

restrained advancements

Highlights that the advancements are controlled and not expansive.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest gains" to describe small or moderate improvements in various contexts. For example, "The stock market saw "modest gains" despite economic uncertainty" or "The new policy resulted in "modest gains" in student performance".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "modest gains"?

Alternatives to "modest gains" include "slight improvements", "small advances", or "marginal increases". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "modest gains" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business, economics, or academic contexts, where it is used to describe limited or incremental progress. Be sure to quantify these gains whenever possible.

What is the difference between "modest gains" and "significant gains"?

"Modest gains" refers to small or limited improvements, while "significant gains" implies substantial or noteworthy progress. The choice between the two depends on the actual magnitude of the improvement being described. If the change is small, use "modest gains"; if it's large and impactful, use "significant gains".