modest quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or moderate amount of something, often in a context where the quantity is sufficient but not excessive. Example: "The recipe calls for a modest quantity of sugar to balance the flavors without overwhelming the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"In my investment firm, when we like a security after careful analysis, we buy a modest quantity.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Morrison said he could still remember when his Vertigo series "Sebastian O," about an assassin in Victorian-era England, sold about 90,000 copies of its first issue in 1993 — a modest quantity that would make it a Top 10 best seller in 2013.

The New York Times - Books

Human lung imaging studies with xenon, initially limited by the modest quantity and quality of hyperpolarized gas available, can now be performed with multiliter quantities several times daily.

Academic Radiology

As defined here, a small, wide data set is constructed by sampling a small to modest quantity n, 1 < n < 50, of human participants for the purpose of estimating many parameters p, such that n < p < 1000.

Journal of Immunological Methods

By treating an elastically restrained edge as intermediate between an appropriate pair of classical boundary conditions and using the corresponding vibration mode shapes of beams with classical boundary conditions as assumed functions, a relatively small number of functions is required; consequently only a modest quantity of computation is necessary.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

If you use a modest quantity of broth, the fideo swells and becomes more or less solid.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It manages to collect only modest quantities of tax revenue.

The Economist

They made trips to Italy, where Kiton apparel is carefully sewn by hand and doled out to retailers in modest quantities.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, Here, My Dear was only a succès d'estime at the time of its release – it yielded no hits and was bought in relatively modest quantities.

Independent

Clearly there's some demand because modest quantities of Italia, an old seeded variety, are shipped from California and Italy, and a round, pinkish, Israeli-bred seedless muscat, Mystery, is imported from Chile in March and April.

The New York Times - Food

"We provided training and equipment for many years now, but in relatively modest quantities," Amanda Dory, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for Africa, told a Senate hearing last month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest quantity" when you want to emphasize that the amount is sufficient for a specific purpose but not excessive. For example, "A modest quantity of fertilizer is enough to nourish the plant."

Common error

Avoid using "modest quantity" repeatedly in formal documents. While grammatically correct, varying your language with synonyms like "small amount" or "limited quantity" can improve readability and prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest quantity" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "quantity". It indicates a limited or moderate amount of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest quantity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates a small or moderate amount of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its purpose is to communicate that the amount is sufficient but not excessive. The phrase appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's wise to avoid overuse in formal writing by employing synonyms such as "small amount" or "limited quantity" for enhanced readability. The context in which you write should guide you whether to use "modest quantity", or if you should use one of the alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small amount

Focuses on the size of the amount, less emphasis on its sufficiency.

limited quantity

Highlights the restricted nature of the amount available.

moderate amount

Suggests an amount that is neither excessive nor deficient.

small measure

Emphasizes the degree or extent of something.

slight amount

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount.

reasonable amount

Implies that the amount is appropriate for the situation.

restricted amount

Highlights the limitations placed on the quantity available.

conservative quantity

Highlights the prudence or caution in determining the quantity.

minimal quantity

Focuses on the amount being at its lowest acceptable level.

a touch of

Often used for intangible things or ingredients, suggesting a subtle addition.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest quantity" to describe a small or moderate amount of something that is sufficient but not excessive. For example: "The recipe requires only a modest quantity of salt."

What are some alternatives to saying "modest quantity"?

Alternatives include "small amount", "limited quantity", or "moderate amount", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "modest quantity" or "small quantity"?

"Modest quantity" suggests sufficiency and appropriateness, while "small quantity" simply indicates a small amount. The better choice depends on whether you want to imply that the amount is adequate for the purpose.

What is the difference between "modest quantity" and "reasonable amount"?

"Modest quantity" implies a small to moderate amount, while "reasonable amount" suggests an amount that is fair or appropriate for the situation. They are similar, but "reasonable amount" focuses more on the justification of the amount.