modest reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response that is humble or not overly assertive in nature. Example: "Her modest reply to the compliment showed her humility and grace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was a winningly modest reply.

The New York Times

At an Ethiopian restaurant, Calvino, fielding a question about his WW2 experiences, made a modest reply that left out the youthful drama that I believe shaped the course of his writing.

The New Yorker

This summer the galleries are displaying a modest reply to the soft painting exhibition: a selection of works by John Singer Sargent on one side and Winslow Homer on the other, all from the museum's permanent collection.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Islam gives a modest reply when asked about how he stays sane with everything going on in his life.

Science Magazine

Blasco gives a characteristically modest reply: "I just run my lab and make the projects work for the students," while also doing work that is "of interest to my colleagues".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The producer apologises because the appearance fee is modest and the guest replies, "Who should I pay?" There are aspiring news presenters who are equally frantic for that first big break.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tackling a 1950's Taboo Where earlier lovelorn columnists like Dorothy Dix had given measured, modest replies to discreet questions about courtship, the new Ann Landers was a wisecracking tough cookie out of Damon Runyon.

The New York Times

Levi was too modest to reply, but he must have been doing something funny because I heard giggles in the background.

Huffington Post

Suddenly he leaned forward and asked: "Has anyone ever told you that you're a very handsome woman?" I pondered on a suitable reply, modest yet encouraging.

The Guardian - Books

When cloud chasers ask Hartigan about his modest equipment, he replies, "I just don't want anybody banning me from doing this".

Vice

In an interview with New York Times Magazine's Mark Leibovich, he was even quite funny: when Leibovich asked him if it'll be a "modest performance," Romney replied, "It'll be a modest performance in more ways than one".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "modest reply". It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of potential cultural interpretations of modesty.

Common error

Don't use "modest reply" to describe a response that is intentionally misleading or insincere. Modesty implies genuine humility, not a calculated attempt to deceive or manipulate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest reply" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "reply". According to Ludwig AI, this describes the quality of the answer. It indicates a response characterized by humility or a lack of pretension.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science & Research

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest reply" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a humble or unassuming response. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker. Although not exceedingly common, it finds relevance across diverse contexts, with a higher frequency in news and media. When employing the phrase, remember to convey sincerity rather than feigned humility. Alternative phrases like "humble response" or "unassuming answer" can further enrich your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humble response

Emphasizes humility in the answer, similar to "modest reply".

unassuming answer

Highlights the lack of pretension in the response.

self-effacing response

Focuses on downplaying one's own achievements or qualities.

reserved answer

Indicates a restrained and understated reply.

understated reply

Highlights the subtle and subtle nature of the response.

low-key response

Suggests a casual and subtle way to reply.

simple answer

Highlights the directness and simplicity of the response.

brief response

Emphasizes the brevity and conciseness of the answer.

restrained response

Highlights the controlled and measured nature of the reply.

circumspect answer

Highlights the careful and cautious nature of the reply.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest reply" to describe a humble or unassuming answer. For example, "She gave a "modest reply" when asked about her accomplishments, downplaying her achievements."

What are some alternatives to "modest reply"?

Alternatives to "modest reply" include "humble response", "unassuming answer", or "self-effacing response", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "modest reply" and "simple reply"?

"Modest reply" implies humility and a lack of arrogance, while "simple reply" suggests a straightforward and uncomplicated answer, without necessarily indicating humility.

Is "modest reply" formal or informal?

"Modest reply" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the degree of formality may depend on the overall tone and vocabulary used in the surrounding text.