modest incentive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest incentive" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a reward or motivation that is not very large or extravagant. Example: The company offered its employees a modest incentive of a bonus vacation day for meeting their sales targets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The result is useful to aid workers, but puzzling to economists: why should such a modest incentive (worth less than 50 cents) make such a big difference?

The Economist

Economists said the tax relief would provide a much-needed, if modest, incentive to consumers and small businesses to start spending.

The New York Times

That squares with mainstream theory, which argues that for a modest incentive, people are willing to save and put off spending.

The New York Times

But Charles Bietche, 41, of Bay Shore, who was visiting BJ's pumps for the first time, said cheap gasoline was a modest incentive to visit an adjacent warehouse store.

The New York Times

In addition, the community votes on how helpful a review is and positive ratings improve the trustworthy rank of the reviewer— a modest incentive to be fair.

TechCrunch

"Incentives really work, so a lot of studies will use a really modest incentive with an incentive for both the subject and the caregiver, acknowledging that it takes their time and gas to bring their kid in, so we give something to both parties".

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And it says that even modest incentives might make a difference.

The New York Times

This, argue the three economists, "suggests SOX's modest incentives are not very effective".

The Economist

Chrysler will offer more modest incentives, even though its sales fell last year.

The Economist

There are modest incentives, but the maximum they could add is $15,000.

The New York Times - Sports

If physicians were salaried employees with modest incentives for productivity and outcomes, we could, in very short order, have affordable health care for all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest incentive" when you want to downplay the magnitude of the reward, suggesting that it is sufficient but not excessive. This can be useful in contexts where larger incentives might be viewed as coercive or unethical.

Common error

Avoid using "modest incentive" when the actual incentive is significant. Misrepresenting a substantial benefit as "modest" can undermine credibility and potentially mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest incentive" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective modifying the noun "incentive". It describes the nature of the incentive being offered, highlighting its limited or moderate scale. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest incentive" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered term used to describe a small or limited reward or encouragement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting its applicability in both formal and less formal communications. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the incentive genuinely aligns with its description and avoid overstating its impact. Alternatives such as "small encouragement" or "minor inducement" can be used to provide nuanced meaning depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small encouragement

Emphasizes the limited scale of the motivational factor.

minor inducement

Highlights the act of persuading or leading someone gently.

slight motivation

Focuses on the minimal degree of impetus provided.

limited stimulus

Stresses the restricted impact or effect of the incentive.

humble reward

Underscores the unassuming and unpretentious nature of the benefit.

token gesture

Suggests the incentive is primarily symbolic rather than substantial.

minimal perk

Implies the incentive is a relatively unimportant or trivial advantage.

gentle nudge

Conveys a subtle and indirect form of motivation.

conservative stimulus

Highlights the careful and restrained application of the incentive.

reasonable encouragement

Suggests a balanced and justifiable form of incentive.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest incentive" to describe a small reward or encouragement, like: "The company offered a "modest incentive" for early sign-ups."

What's a good alternative to "modest incentive"?

Consider using phrases like "small encouragement", "minor inducement", or "slight motivation" as alternatives to "modest incentive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to offer a modest or a substantial incentive?

The choice between a modest and a substantial incentive depends on the context. A "modest incentive" may be appropriate when you want to avoid appearing coercive, while a more substantial one might be necessary to motivate significant behavioral change.

Can a "modest incentive" really make a difference?

Yes, even a "modest incentive" can be effective, especially when combined with other factors like clear communication and ease of participation. Ludwig AI shows examples of such scenarios.