modest population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'modest population' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small or limited number of people. For example: "This small village has a modest population of only 500 people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

An influx of younger immigrants also contributed to the older cities' modest population gains.

The New York Times

All that building requires far more labour than the country's modest population could hope to provide.

The Economist

Its side has tended to beat India's, despite its more modest population.

The Economist

The modest population (about 320,000) mostly clings to the coastline.

The New York Times

Low natural increase and negative migration balance account for the modest population growth in the city proper.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Small even by Sonoma County's modest population standards, the town seems discomfited by things that herald growth and change.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

In contrast, modest population-wide behavioural changes can produce larger benefits.

British Medical Journal

Modest population-wide changes in PAEE may have significant benefits in terms of reducing the emerging burden of metabolic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

Diabetes Care

The latter observation supports the conclusions of a recent study in Cameroon 23: modest population-based changes in physical activity may have significant benefits in terms of reducing the emerging burden of metabolic diseases.

BMJ Open

Conclusions Any intervention that achieved even a modest population-wide reduction in any major cardiovascular risk factor would produce a net cost saving to the NHS, as well as improving health.

British Medical Journal

The population attributable fraction of prevalent metabolic syndrome due to being in the lowest quartile of PAEE was estimated at 26.3% (25.3% in women and 35.7% in men) indicating that modest population-wide changes in PAEE may have significant benefits in terms of reducing the emerging burden of metabolic diseases in Cameroon.

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modest population", consider the context and whether a more specific term like "small", "limited", or a numerical value would be more informative.

Common error

Avoid using "modest population" when the actual population size is demonstrably very large. The term implies a significantly smaller number than average within the given context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest population" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a population size that is relatively small or limited. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest population" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a population that is relatively small or limited. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it appropriate for a range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While alternatives like ""small population size"" or ""limited population"" exist, "modest population" can subtly imply humility or a lack of pretension. Remember to consider the specific context and choose the term that best conveys the intended meaning, and be mindful not to use it when the population is demonstrably large.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small population size

Focuses on the size rather than the implied limitation or humility.

limited population

Emphasizes the restricted or capped nature of the population.

minor population

Highlights the relative insignificance of the population.

relatively small populace

Replaces 'population' with 'populace' and adds 'relatively' for emphasis.

low number of inhabitants

Uses more descriptive terms to convey the same concept.

scarce population

Suggests that the population is not only small but also difficult to find.

limited number of residents

Replaces 'population' with 'residents' and 'modest' with 'limited'.

underpopulated area

Shifts the focus to the area itself rather than the population.

thinly populated region

Emphasizes the sparse distribution of the population over a geographic area.

negligible population

Suggests the population is so small it can be ignored or is insignificant.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest population" to describe a region, town, or group that has a small number of inhabitants. For example, "Despite its historical significance, the island maintains a "modest population" of under 1,000 residents."

What are some alternatives to "modest population"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "small population size", "limited population", or "low number of inhabitants".

Is it correct to say "a modest population growth"?

Yes, "modest population growth" is grammatically correct and means that the population has increased slightly or gradually over time.

What's the difference between "modest population" and "small population"?

While both terms indicate a low number of people, "modest population" can also subtly imply a lack of pretension or grandiosity, whereas "small population" is more neutral and directly refers to the number.