modest reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response that is restrained or not overly enthusiastic, often in the context of feedback or emotional responses. Example: "The audience's modest reaction to the performance suggested that they were not particularly impressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Although Mr. Kerik's changes to date have been modest, reaction to them has generally been positive.

The New York Times

Analysts said the markets had only a modest reaction to four economic reports released yesterday morning because they did not show that the economy was weaker than expected.

The New York Times

The oil markets showed only a modest reaction to OPEC's move, since it was widely expected that the organization would merely continue with the current production cuts, which are scheduled to run out in June.

The New York Times

These experiences are rare responses to television; movies in theaters can induce grand feelings, but TV, at its best and worst, gets a more modest reaction: annoyance, amusement, contentment, stupor.

The New York Times

But Nick Banks, the drummer in Pulp, said he was hoping for a more modest reaction from the audience in Sheffield watching Pulp: A Film About Life, Death and Supermarkets.

The Guardian - Film

The present work demonstrates that the alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) method for fractionating lignocelluloses, such as corncob, is advantageous due to its modest reaction conditions, low alkaline usage, and effective fractionation of three components.

Food and Bioproducts Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Because Spain is relatively small, the price changes in Spain lead to only modest reactions of the ECB rate as well as the interest rate on domestic bonds.

SERIEs

We think the announcement deserves a modest positive reaction.

The Guardian - Business

After transplantation into the injured spinal cord, plain PHB conduit was well-integrated into posttraumatic cavity and induced modest astroglial reaction.

Biomaterials

The fairly modest market reaction so far suggests that this is not being seen as a major loosening in future policy - or at least, not any larger than people in the City were already expecting.

BBC

Thus, hAFSC do stimulate a modest tissue reaction by nu/nu mice, but this did not cause any measurable perturbation of kidney function.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event's impact, use "modest reaction" to convey that the event did not cause a significant change or strong emotion. This term is helpful in scenarios where you need to emphasize the lack of widespread impact.

Common error

Avoid using "modest reaction" when the situation actually involves a strong or significant response. It's important to accurately represent the intensity of the reaction to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest reaction" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" modifies the noun "reaction". It typically describes the degree or intensity of a response to a particular stimulus or event. Ludwig AI identifies that it is often used to describe a response that is restrained or not overly enthusiastic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest reaction" is a grammatically correct and usable term to describe a restrained or not overly enthusiastic response, as Ludwig AI confirms. While not extremely common, it finds frequent use in news, media, and scientific contexts. It is important to be accurate when describing the intensity of the reaction and avoid using "modest reaction" if the response was strong and significant. Alternative phrases such as "subdued response" or "mild response" can be used, based on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subdued response

Emphasizes the calmness or lack of excitement in the response.

mild response

Highlights the lack of intensity or severity in the response.

restrained reaction

Indicates a controlled or suppressed emotional expression.

understated response

Suggests that the response was intentionally downplayed or minimized.

tepid reception

Implies a lukewarm or unenthusiastic welcome or acceptance.

lackluster reaction

Conveys a sense of ordinariness or uninspired response.

muted response

Focuses on the quietness or suppressed nature of the reaction.

measured response

Highlights the thoughtfulness and deliberation behind the reaction.

controlled reaction

Emphasizes the deliberate effort to manage or contain the response.

passive response

Suggests a lack of active engagement or strong feeling in the response.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest reaction" to describe a subdued or restrained response to an event or situation. For example, "The markets had a "modest reaction" to the news of the merger."

What's the difference between "modest reaction" and "strong reaction"?

"Modest reaction" implies a mild or understated response, while "strong reaction" suggests a powerful or significant response. The choice depends on accurately portraying the intensity of the response.

What can I say instead of "modest reaction"?

You can use alternatives like "subdued response", "mild response", or "restrained reaction" depending on the context.

Is "modest reaction" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "modest reaction" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in contexts like business or news reporting where objectivity and accurate representation of the intensity of a response are important.