modest means

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest means" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a financial situation where one does not have a lot of money, or to describe the level of resources available to someone. For example, "Although she had modest means, she always managed to provide for her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

KATONAH -- "Of Modest Means: Small Works Exhibition".

The New York Times

Tsiolkovsky was from a family of modest means.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His parents were of modest means but hardly poor.

The New Yorker

Enthusiasts of more modest means can claim prizes too.

Independent

Parents are mostly of modest means, but desperate.

The Economist

For parents of modest means, urban summers present pitfalls.

The New York Times

Petrassi was born to a family of modest means.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This tradition is not atypical for families of modest means.

The New York Times

(Oligarchs of more modest means would pay a lower rate).

The Washington Post

Williams, 58, began life in Fredericksburg, Va., with modest means.

The Washington Post

But the actual beneficiaries are American households of modest means.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest means" when you need to convey the idea of financial limitations without sounding judgmental or negative.

Common error

Don't confuse "modest means" with "moderate means". "Modest means" implies a humble or limited financial situation, while "moderate means" suggests a middle-class income or a comfortable, but not lavish, lifestyle.

Linguistic Context

"Modest means" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition or subject complement. It describes a state of having limited financial resources, as Ludwig examples demonstrate across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modest means" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a state of having limited financial resources. Ludwig examples show that it's frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. The phrase is considered neutral in tone and serves the purpose of conveying socioeconomic status without being judgmental. Alternative phrases include "limited financial resources" and "humble economic circumstances". Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and utility of this phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited financial resources

Focuses specifically on the financial aspect of having "modest means".

humble financial circumstances

Emphasizes the humbleness and financial aspect of the situation.

meager income

Highlights the small amount of income available.

small income

Directly refers to a low income level.

limited resources

Generalizes to all kinds of resources, not just financial.

living frugally

Describes the act of spending money carefully and sparingly.

economically disadvantaged

Highlights the disadvantage caused by the lack of economic resources.

of humble origins

Refers to a background of low social or economic status.

with limited capital

Specifically points to a small amount of available capital or money.

not wealthy

A simple negation of wealth, implying limited resources.

FAQs

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

"Modest means" is used to describe someone who doesn't have a lot of money. For example, "Despite their "modest means", they always found a way to help others."

What is a more formal way to say "modest means"?

More formal alternatives to "modest means" include "limited financial resources" or "humble economic circumstances". You can also use the term "limited resources".

What's the difference between "modest means" and "low income"?

"Modest means" is a broader term that encompasses overall financial resources, while "low income" specifically refers to a small amount of money earned. Someone with "modest means" might have some assets but still have a limited overall financial situation.

Is it appropriate to use "modest means" in a professional setting?

Yes, "modest means" is appropriate in professional settings when discussing financial situations or socioeconomic backgrounds. However, it's important to use it with sensitivity and avoid making assumptions or judgments. The usage is considered correct according to Ludwig.