modest progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or moderate amount of advancement or improvement in a particular area or task. Example: "After several weeks of hard work, we have made modest progress on the project, but there is still much to be done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But even modest progress would be worthwhile.

The New York Times

But they have made only modest progress.

The New York Times

But those initiatives have so far only shown modest progress.

The New York Times

We can, however, hope for modest progress in other areas.

The New York Times

No progress = 0 stars Modest progress = ★ Good progress = ★★ Target completed = ★★★.

The Guardian

Since then the U.N. has made only modest progress.

The New York Times

In December 2010 a report laid out details of modest progress so far.

The Economist

There has already been modest progress in communication between the two militaries, American officials said.

The New York Times

Trade negotiators in Geneva made modest progress on technical details, but the overall talks stalled.

The Economist

On the economic side of the ledger, the Americans claimed some modest progress.

The New York Times

By the time we ended treatment, though, I felt we had made some modest progress.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest progress" to accurately represent situations where advancement is limited or incremental. This avoids overstating achievements and maintains credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "modest progress" when significant or substantial advancements have occurred. Choose stronger terms to reflect the true extent of the achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest progress" functions as a noun phrase that describes the extent or degree of advancement. As supported by Ludwig, it indicates a limited or incremental improvement, often in the context of ongoing efforts or challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modest progress" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a limited or incremental degree of advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. Alternatives like "slight improvement" or "limited advancement" can be used to add nuance. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the actual level of achievement to maintain credibility. Avoid overstating impact, as "modest progress" should not be used when achievements are significant. The term sets realistic expectations and suggests potential for future but possibly slow improvements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited advancement

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the progress made.

slight improvement

Highlights a small degree of betterment.

marginal gain

Focuses on the small amount of positive outcome achieved.

gradual development

Stresses the slow and incremental nature of the progress.

small steps forward

Illustrates progress as a series of minor advancements.

limited success

Highlights the restricted scope of achievement.

partial achievement

Indicates that only a portion of the desired outcome was attained.

incremental growth

Focuses on the slow and steady accumulation of progress.

minor breakthrough

Implies a small but significant positive development.

humble gains

Underlines the modest and understated nature of the achievements.

FAQs

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

"Modest progress" is typically used to describe incremental advancements or limited achievements. For example, "Despite the challenges, we've made "modest progress" on the project."

What are some alternatives to "modest progress"?

Alternatives include "slight improvement", "limited advancement", or "marginal gain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "modest progress" or "significant progress"?

The choice depends on the context. "Modest progress" indicates a small amount of advancement, while "significant progress" implies a larger, more impactful change. Use the term that accurately reflects the actual level of achievement.

What does "modest progress" imply about future expectations?

"Modest progress" often suggests that further improvements are expected but may be slow or incremental. It sets a realistic expectation for continued, though possibly limited, positive developments.