modest proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest proposal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a suggestion or idea that is practical and not grandiose. You can use it in a sentence when presenting a suggestion or solution that is modest or unassuming in nature. Example: In the midst of the company's financial crisis, Jane put forth a modest proposal to cut unnecessary expenses and increase efficiency, which was well-received by the board of directors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Another modest proposal.

The Economist

Here's a modest proposal.

The New York Times

Take a modest proposal.

The Guardian

I have another modest proposal.

The New York Times

A modest proposal.

The New York Times

"It's a modest proposal.

The New York Times

Postscript a modest proposal.

The New Yorker

IT IS anything but a modest proposal.

The Economist

Redmond has a modest proposal.

The Guardian - Books

Here is our modest proposal.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I have a not-especially-modest proposal for how to solve almost all of Twitter's problems.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest proposal" when you want to introduce an idea that is practical and realistic, not overly ambitious or grandiose. It can also imply a degree of understatement or irony, especially when the proposal is not truly modest.

Common error

Avoid using "modest proposal" when the idea is genuinely groundbreaking or revolutionary. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can diminish the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest proposal" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it refers to a suggestion or idea that is practical and not grandiose. It often serves to introduce a specific plan or recommendation within a larger discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest proposal" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to a suggestion or idea presented as practical and not overly ambitious. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct. While often associated with Jonathan Swift's satirical essay, its modern usage isn't always ironic. It's most common in news and media contexts, and its tone is generally neutral to professional. Remember to consider the intended tone and context when using this phrase to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humble suggestion

Replaces "proposal" with "suggestion", implying a less formal or assertive offering.

reasonable suggestion

Emphasizes the sensible and balanced nature of the recommendation.

practical solution

Focuses on the feasibility and problem-solving aspect of the suggested plan.

simple plan

Substitutes both words, indicating a straightforward and uncomplicated scheme.

measured approach

Highlights a cautious and carefully considered strategy.

conservative idea

Replaces "proposal" with "idea", framing the concept as more general and less defined.

small-scale project

Emphasizes the limited scope and resources involved in the undertaking.

limited scope initiative

Stresses the narrow focus and restricted ambition of the proposed action.

tentative recommendation

Highlights the uncertainty and preliminary nature of the suggested course of action.

unambitious scheme

Highlights a lack of grandiosity or far-reaching goals in the proposed plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest proposal" to introduce a suggestion that is presented as simple and practical. For example, "Here is my "modest proposal": we should start by addressing the most immediate issues first".

What is the origin of the phrase "modest proposal"?

The phrase is often associated with Jonathan Swift's satirical essay "A Modest Proposal", where he sarcastically suggests solving poverty in Ireland by eating babies. Today, it's used more generally to describe any seemingly reasonable suggestion, often with a hint of irony.

What can I say instead of "modest proposal"?

Alternatives include "humble suggestion", "simple plan", or "practical solution", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "modest proposal" always used ironically?

Not always, but often. While it can be used to genuinely suggest a small-scale solution, its connection to Swift's satire often lends an ironic undertone. The intent usually becomes clear from the context.