modest pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a salary or compensation that is considered low or average, often implying that it is not extravagant or excessive. Example: "Despite the modest pay, many employees find the work environment rewarding and fulfilling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can we really confiscate the modest pay of illegal immigrants?

The Guardian - Opinion

Its workers have long settled for modest pay rises.

The Economist

They earn modest pay, and endorsement opportunities are rare.

The New York Times - Arts

But teaching philosophy, with its modest pay and difficult tenure track, lost its hold on Reddam.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've been able to give a modest pay rise this year, thank goodness," he says.

The Guardian

The combination of tactics worked to end the strike and gain a modest pay hike for the miners.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The teachers and administrators who work in Catholic schools for modest pay not only turn out sterling results.

The Economist

The ONS said employers had responded to the recent recession with pay freezes, some cuts and modest pay settlements.

The Guardian - Money

As a gesture of good faith during tough economic times, Chief Noonan has agreed to take a modest pay cut.

The New York Times

Despite modest pay raises at some of the country's largest and most profitable employers, including Walmart and McDonald's, wages continue to lag far behind inflation.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

China's state-owned enterprises now provide a modest pay-out to the government, but until last year they paid nothing at all.China's big corporations can hold on to their profits because aggrieved shareholders have little clout with them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing jobs or professions, use "modest pay" to acknowledge financial constraints without devaluing the work or the individuals who perform it.

Common error

Avoid using "modest pay" in contexts where it might sound condescending or dismissive of someone's efforts. Instead, focus on the value and contributions of the role, regardless of the compensation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest pay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'modest' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'pay'. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes a level of compensation that is not high or extravagant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest pay" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe compensation that is considered low or average. Ludwig AI provides several examples of its usage across various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, suggesting its relevance in discussions about employment, wages, and economic conditions. While "modest pay" is generally neutral, it’s essential to use it thoughtfully, avoiding any implications that might diminish the value of the work being discussed. Alternatives like "low salary" or "reasonable compensation" can offer subtle variations in meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low salary

Focuses on the monetary aspect of the pay being at a lower end of the scale.

reasonable compensation

Implies the pay is fair and justified for the work performed, without being extravagant.

moderate income

Describes the overall financial intake as being within a middle range, neither high nor low.

small wage

Emphasizes the diminutive nature of the earnings.

humble earnings

Highlights the lack of pretension or excess in the amount earned.

meager pay

Suggests the pay is insufficient or barely adequate.

limited remuneration

Formally indicates that the payment for services is restricted or not substantial.

average salary

Indicates the pay is typical or standard, without being exceptionally high or low.

basic wage

Implies the pay covers fundamental needs but does not offer much beyond that.

entry-level pay

Specifically refers to the starting pay for a job, which is typically lower.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest pay" to describe a job that doesn't offer high compensation, such as "Most teachers work tirelessly, with "modest pay", sometimes digging into their own pocket for school supplies – just to make a difference."

What is a synonym for "modest pay"?

Synonyms for "modest pay" include "low salary", "reasonable compensation", or "small wage", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "modest pay" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing economic conditions or job compensation in a neutral or objective manner. Alternative terms such as "reasonable compensation" might also be suitable.

What's the difference between "modest pay" and "low pay"?

"Modest pay" implies a relatively low but possibly acceptable level of compensation, while "low pay" can suggest that the compensation is inadequate or unfair. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.