modest single-digit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest single-digit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a number that is small, typically between 0 and 9, in a way that suggests it is not overly significant or impressive. Example: "The company's growth rate was a modest single-digit percentage, indicating steady but unspectacular progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I believe we will have modest, single-digit growth probably as of next year," he said.

The New York Times

Instead of piling more money into global markets in search of once-in-a-decade gains, they are taking a more restrained approach as they brace for more modest, single-digit increases that are expected this year.

The New York Times

"2012 marked the first year that emerging markets have seen a volume decline, and while 2013 will return to growth, it is projected at less than 1%, and with modest, single-digit growth through [to] 2017".

The Guardian - Tech

Mark B. Dunkerley, the chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines, which last year initiated direct flights to Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, said that his airline had noted "a modest single-digit drop-off in bookings" since the disaster, but that it had no idea what to expect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Among these compounds, four showed modest (single digit micromolar) BACE1 inhibition.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

Mr. Mandese predicts a rebound in the modest single digits, as advertising in categories like movies, automobiles and drugs should offset continued weakness in areas like financial services, travel and telecommunications.

The New York Times

Be content with low single-digit returns".

The Guardian - Business

It is said to be a low single-digit percentage.

The Guardian

Department stores Macy's and Dillard's recorded modest improvement in the low single digits, as did Target and Gap.

Forbes

A Forbes competitor, Fortune, plans "a very modest increase" in ad-page rates, in the low single digits, said Mike Federle, publisher in New York, "the most modest we've taken in my six years here".

The New York Times

Jha forecast a modest, high single-digit to low-double digit increase in the handset marketplace for 2010, which could create an appropriate setting for Motorola to revisit a mobile devices spin-off.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing growth or change, use "modest single-digit" to indicate a small but positive increase that isn't dramatic. This can be useful in financial reports or forecasts.

Common error

Don't assume that a "modest single-digit" change is insignificant. Even small percentage changes can have a large impact when applied to large numbers or over extended periods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest single-digit" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (often "growth", "increase", or "percentage"). It describes the size or extent of something, indicating it's a small, positive value. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest single-digit" is a grammatically sound way to describe a small, positive value or increase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used in news, science, and business contexts to quantify something without overstating its significance. While synonyms like "slight single-digit" or "low single-digit" exist, it's essential to consider the subtle nuances each conveys. Remember that even a "modest single-digit" change can be impactful in certain situations, so it shouldn't be automatically dismissed as insignificant. The phrase is uncommon but easily understood, providing a clear indication of limited growth or quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderate single-digit

Synonymous with "modest single-digit", but "moderate" might imply a slightly larger value than "modest".

slight single-digit

Replaces "modest" with "slight", emphasizing the small degree of the single-digit value.

small single-digit

Uses "small" instead of "modest", highlighting the diminutive size of the digit.

single-digit figure

Replaces "digit" with "figure", a synonym in this context.

low single-digit

Emphasizes that the single digit is at the lower end of the scale (1-4).

single-digit percentage

Adds "percentage" to clarify that the single digit refers to a percentage value.

marginal single-digit

"Marginal" suggests the single-digit is barely noticeable or significant.

conservative single-digit

Implies a cautious or restrained single-digit estimate or increase.

reasonable single-digit

Suggests that the single-digit value is within acceptable or expected limits.

contained single-digit

Highlights the controlled or limited nature of the single-digit value.

FAQs

How can I use "modest single-digit" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company forecasts a "modest single-digit" increase in revenue next quarter" or "We are expecting a "modest single-digit" growth rate this year".

What does "modest single-digit" imply about the number?

It suggests the number is small, typically between 1 and 9, and not particularly impressive or noteworthy. The increase or value is understated.

What are some alternatives to saying "modest single-digit"?

Consider using phrases like "slight single-digit", "low single-digit", or "small single-digit" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "modest single-digit growth" a positive or negative sign?

Generally, it's a positive sign, indicating some growth, even if it's not substantial. It's better than stagnation or decline, but it might not meet expectations for rapid expansion.