modest level of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest level of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or moderate amount of something, often in a context where the degree or intensity is being measured or evaluated. Example: "The study found a modest level of improvement in the participants' performance after the training program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

poverty & a very modest level of living.

The New Yorker

Now he is back in a more modest level of competition.

The New York Times

You do if you're a decent person with even a modest level of home training.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that is a higher ranking than one would expect given its modest level of development.

The Economist

During the past year, the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation has fallen from a modest level of 1.8percentntoto an even more modest level of 1.4percentnt.

The New Yorker

Frankly, that modest level of reduction could be achieved perfectly naturally, simply by not replacing people who leave or retire.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You tell me how this industry will be better off if we take away this terribly modest level of support".

The New York Times

Moreover, Taiwan initially escaped the worst aspects of the regional crisis, emerging with only a modest level of bad loans.

The Economist

"Our offer that calls for a modest level of employee cost-sharing is infinitely reasonable in today's rapidly escalating health care cost environment".

The New York Times

"It has given us one of the most robust balance sheets in the industry with a modest level of debt and substantial liquidity".

The Guardian

And what you also have said, in the Democratic primary, was there will be times when we'll have to engage in some modest level of deficit spending.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modest level of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured or quantified. For example, "a modest level of effort" is clearer than simply "a modest level."

Common error

Avoid using "modest level of" when the actual level is insignificant or negligible. Using a more accurate term like "trace amount" might be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest level of" functions primarily as a pre-modifier, adding detail to a noun. It serves to describe the degree, extent, or intensity of something, often suggesting a limited or moderate quantity. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modest level of" is a versatile pre-modifier used to describe a moderate or limited quantity, extent, or intensity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a variety of contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific writing. The phrase conveys a sense of something being present but not excessive. While primarily neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to the accuracy of the descriptor, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives such as "limited degree of" or "moderate amount of" can be used to add nuance. The frequent occurrences of "modest level of" in reputable sources suggests it is a common and accepted phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited degree of

Replaces "level" with "degree", emphasizing the extent to which something exists or occurs.

moderate amount of

Substitutes "level" with "amount", focusing on quantity rather than intensity or proficiency.

small measure of

Replaces "level" with "measure", suggesting a quantifiable but limited amount.

slight quantity of

Uses "quantity" instead of "level", stressing the limited volume or number of something.

reasonable degree of

Replaces "modest" with "reasonable", suggesting an acceptable but not excessive amount.

limited extent of

Focuses on the range or scope, using "extent" in place of "level".

minimal amount of

Emphasizes that the quantity is the smallest possible, using "minimal" instead of "modest".

small-scale degree of

Emphasizes that the level is of a small or limited scale.

somewhat limited degree of

Adds slight emphasis of limitation by using the term "somewhat".

relatively low quantity of

Highlights the comparison to a higher possible amount by using the term "relatively low".

FAQs

How can I use "modest level of" in a sentence?

You can use "modest level of" to describe something that exists in a small or moderate quantity. For example, "The project achieved a "modest level of" success", indicating the project was somewhat successful but not exceptionally so.

What are some alternatives to "modest level of"?

Alternatives include "limited degree of", "moderate amount of", or "small measure of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "modest level of" formal or informal?

"Modest level of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently found in news articles, scientific papers, and general writing.

What is the difference between "modest level of" and "low level of"?

While similar, ""modest level of"" suggests a reasonable or acceptable amount, whereas "low level of" simply indicates a small quantity without necessarily implying acceptance or adequacy.