modest skills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest skills" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's abilities or talents that are not overly impressive or advanced, often implying a level of humility. Example: "Although she has modest skills in painting, her passion for art shines through in every piece she creates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

These were modest skills, perhaps.

The New Yorker

Truly, I am a man of modest skills and average talent.

The Washington Post

An angler with modest skills can expect to hook 30 to 50 fish a day during the summer.

The New York Times - Sports

Players with modest skills are making too much money, leading to a decline in the quality of play.

The New York Times - Sports

He trained Mike Tyson when Tyson was a teen-ager; and he trained a heavyweight champion named Michael Moorer, an unsteady fighter of modest skills who never would have won the title without him.

The New Yorker

Given the institutional weakness, inadequate infrastructure and modest skills base in many of the world's poorest places, even rock-bottom wages there may be insufficient to attract much manufacturing.That is a distressing prospect.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Synoptic indices show modest skill at hindcasting multi-decadal variations in flood frequency at national, regional and catchment scales, but not for flood magnitudes.

Journal of Hydrology

The April forecast shows modest skill, while the June, July and August forecasts show improved skill levels.

The Washington Post

In both the rich and the emerging world, technology is creating opportunities for those previously held back by financial or geographical constraints, yet new work for those with modest skill levels is scarce compared with the bonanza created by earlier technological revolutions.All this is sorely testing governments, beset by new demands for intervention, regulation and support.

The Economist

Economists David Howell and Edward Wolff have used data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to show that plenty of good jobs flowing directly or indirectly from these technical developments have quite modest skill requirements-from hospital lab technician to diesel truck mechanic to telephone/modem cable installer.

MIT Technology Review

Indeed, from a number of studies reviewing the impact of aerobic and cognitive training on cognitive status of healthy and cognitively impaired older adults, 1– 5 it became apparent that aerobic and cognitive stimulation can achieve modest skill-specific gains in cognitively healthy aged people and seems to delay cognitive decline on mild-impaired elderly.

Clinical interventions in aging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "modest skills" with a specific area to clarify the extent of proficiency. For example: "modest carpentry skills" or "modest programming skills".

Common error

Avoid using "modest skills" when the context requires highlighting expertise or exceptional talent. It can undermine credibility in situations where confidence is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest skills" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to qualify the level of ability or competence someone possesses in a particular area. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is often used to realistically portray abilities without exaggeration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest skills" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile way to describe capabilities that are not particularly advanced or exceptional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for neutral to professional communication, often found in news and media sources. To ensure proper usage, avoid overstating capabilities when describing someone's level of expertise. Alternatives like "basic skills" or "average skills" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to combine "modest skills" with a specific area to clarify the extent of proficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited skills

Emphasizes the restricted range or extent of abilities, focusing on the boundary of competence.

basic skills

Highlights the fundamental or rudimentary nature of the abilities, implying they are at an entry-level.

average skills

Suggests the abilities are at a typical or common level, without being outstanding or deficient.

ordinary skills

Implies the abilities are commonplace and unremarkable, lacking any special qualities.

humble skills

Highlights the lack of pretension or showiness in the abilities, focusing on simplicity and practicality.

unassuming skills

Suggests a quiet competence without arrogance.

serviceable skills

Stresses that the skills are adequate for performing basic functions.

adequate skills

Indicates that the skills are sufficient for a given purpose, without being exceptional.

competent skills

Implies the skills are sufficient for performing tasks effectively.

rudimentary skills

Focuses on the most basic and underdeveloped aspect of someone's skills.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest skills" to describe someone's abilities that are not particularly advanced. For example, "Despite his "modest skills", he was able to complete the project successfully".

What are some alternatives to "modest skills"?

Some alternatives include "basic skills", "limited skills", or "average skills", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "modest skills" in a formal setting?

Yes, "modest skills" can be used in formal settings to provide an honest and realistic assessment of someone's abilities, without exaggeration.

What's the difference between "modest skills" and "expert skills"?

"Modest skills" implies a basic or average level of competence, while "expert skills" indicates a high degree of proficiency and mastery in a particular area.