modest increases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest increases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe small or moderate growth or improvement in a particular context, such as finance, statistics, or performance metrics. Example: "The company reported modest increases in sales over the last quarter, indicating a positive trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other programs get modest increases.

The New York Times

[C3.] Major Stock Indicators Post Modest Increases Stocks rose moderately.

The New York Times

Maths and English – the subjects with the highest number of entrants – have both shown modest increases.

The Guardian

But in dollar terms, these are relatively modest increases, the larger contributors say.

The New York Times

Two years ago, prices plunged after OPEC agreed on modest increases in production.

The New York Times

Four modest increases since June have done little to slow economic growth.

The New York Times

In fact, he said, "most banks will have very modest increases in credit costs".

The New York Times

The debate over rent is intensifying this year, after a long period of modest increases.

The New York Times

Women in the stretching group had modest increases in estrogen levels.

The New York Times - Health

Four-year graduation rates have been more volatile, though several schools have shown modest increases.

The New York Times

Toyota ,Ford Motor and Nissan each reported modest increases, while Hyundai and Kia set January records.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes, pair "modest increases" with specific data or percentages to provide context and quantify the extent of the increase. For example: "The company reported "modest increases" in sales, rising by 3% compared to last year."

Common error

Do not use "modest increases" when describing substantial or significant growth. Using "modest" in such contexts can downplay the true extent of the change and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest increases" functions as a noun phrase where "modest" acts as a modifier, specifying the degree of the increases. It generally describes a limited or small amount of growth, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest increases" is a phrase used to describe small or moderate growth, according to Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase is suitable for formal writing and conveys a sense of measured growth. When using "modest increases", ensure that the context aligns with the scale of growth being described to avoid misrepresenting the information. Alternatives like "small increases" or "slight increases" can be used for a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small increases

This alternative is a direct synonym, using "small" instead of "modest" to convey the limited size of the increase.

slight increases

This alternative substitutes "modest" with "slight", suggesting a barely noticeable increase.

moderate gains

This alternative replaces "increases" with "gains", focusing on the positive outcome of the increase while keeping the modifier similar.

marginal increases

This alternative emphasizes that the increases are at the edge of significance.

limited growth

This alternative shifts the focus to "growth" rather than "increases", emphasizing the constrained nature of the growth.

gradual upticks

This alternative uses "upticks" to suggest a series of small increases over time and "gradual" to emphasize the slow pace.

incremental gains

This alternative implies that the increases are happening step by step.

reasonable increases

This alternative suggests the increases are within an acceptable or justifiable range.

controlled expansion

This alternative suggests a deliberate and limited increase in size or scope.

subtle improvements

This alternative focuses on the aspect of "improvement" rather than just an increase, implying that the changes are delicate and possibly hard to detect.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest increases" to describe a small or moderate rise in something. For example: "The study showed "modest increases" in student test scores after the new program was implemented."

What are some synonyms for "modest increases"?

Some synonyms for "modest increases" include "small increases", "slight increases", and "moderate gains". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "modest increases" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and professional way to describe small or moderate growth or improvement.

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

"Modest increases" refers to small or moderate growth, while "significant increases" indicates a substantial or notable rise. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the size of the change you're describing.