modest number of

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest number of" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small but not insignificant amount of something. Example: We had a modest number of new students enroll in the program this year.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We are adding a modest number of faculty jobs (about 100).

The Guardian - Opinion

But, she added, such policies seem to create only a "modest number" of affordable units.

The New York Times - Tech

And also by the relatively modest number of youngsters who have R-cards.

The New York Times

Leasing company orders at Farnborough have swamped the relatively modest number of direct sales to airlines.

The New York Times

For 150m years the bony fish were restricted to freshwater and a modest number of species.

The Economist

A modest number of these guest workers return to their countries of origin each year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

White House officials were frustrated that the Pentagon could not produce plans that involved a modest number of troops.

The New York Times

Under some circumstances one is allowed to quote a modest number of words from someone else's work.

The New York Times

Current and former workers say that the modest number of stock options were never really the draw.

The New York Times

"Above all, opting for a modest number of the best aircraft attests to a sense of reality".

The New York Times

Better yet, it fell because a modest number of people found jobs, not because people gave up and stopped looking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modest number of", ensure the context makes it clear that the quantity is sufficient for the purpose, even if not large. For example, "A modest number of volunteers ensured the event ran smoothly."

Common error

Avoid using "modest number of" when the quantity is actually inadequate or negligible. It implies a small but sufficient amount, not an insufficiency. If the number is truly insignificant, use phrases like "very few" or "a negligible amount".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest number of" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a small, yet sufficient or acceptable, quantity. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is common in various contexts to describe quantities that are not large but are adequate for a particular purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest number of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a quantity that is small but sufficient. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedic writing. While grammatically sound and frequently used, it's essential to ensure that the 'modest' quantity aligns with the context, implying adequacy rather than insignificance. Alternative phrases like "small number of" or "limited amount of" can be used to similar effect, but may lack the connotation of sufficiency inherent in "modest number of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small quantity of

Emphasizes the limited amount, focusing on the quantity rather than its sufficiency.

limited amount of

Highlights the restriction or constraint on the quantity available.

restricted number of

Similar to 'limited amount of', but emphasizes the deliberate restriction on the quantity.

relatively few

Directly indicates a low quantity in comparison to what might be expected or desired.

a handful of

Suggests a very small, easily manageable quantity, often implying informality.

small selection of

Focuses on the limited variety or choice available, rather than just the quantity.

a sprinkling of

Indicates a sparse or scattered distribution of the item being quantified.

a trace of

Implies an extremely small quantity, almost negligible.

a minimum number of

Emphasizes that the number is at the lower end of what is acceptable or required.

a token number of

Indicates that the number is small and possibly symbolic, rather than substantial.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest number of" to describe a quantity that is small but adequate or acceptable. For example, "A "modest number of" participants attended the workshop, but their engagement was high."

What are some alternatives to "modest number of"?

Some alternatives include "small number of", "limited amount of", "relatively few", or "a handful of", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "modest number of" formal or informal?

"Modest number of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "modest number of" and "small number of"?

While both phrases indicate a low quantity, "modest number of" suggests that the amount is sufficient or acceptable for a given purpose, while "small number of" simply indicates a low quantity without necessarily implying sufficiency.