modest start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initial phase or beginning that is humble or not overly ambitious. Example: "The project had a modest start, but it quickly gained momentum and attracted significant attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a modest start.

MIT Technology Review

That is a very modest start.

The New York Times

From a Modest Start, the Center Quickly Grew.

Stanford University

Sir Keir Starmer has made a modest start.

The Guardian

A few million dollars is only a modest start.

The New Yorker

From this modest start he created a life dedicated to the underprivileged and disabled.

The New York Times

This bodes ill for Italy, even though the bicamerale's proposals are only a modest start.

The Economist

Ziegler said the alliance had promises for $4 million for 2013, an admittedly modest start.

The New York Times - Sports

Or, for a more modest start, mandate corporations receiving taxpayer subsidies to create jobs?

The Guardian - Opinion

The university has grown rapidly from its modest start in 1991, with 100 students in Prague.

The New York Times

Given the size of the need, food and music were a modest start.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest start" when you want to emphasize that something began in a small or unassuming way, but has the potential to grow or become more significant over time. For example: "The company had a "modest start", but it quickly became a major player in the industry."

Common error

Avoid using "modest start" when describing something that clearly began with significant resources or fanfare. For instance, saying "The Olympic Games had a "modest start"" would be inaccurate because the Olympics inherently involve substantial planning and investment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest start" functions as a noun phrase often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the initial phase of something as being small, unassuming, or humble. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest start" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small or humble beginning. As Ludwig AI suggests, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While perfectly suitable for formal use, be mindful not to apply it where the initial phase was obviously grand or well-resourced. Alternative expressions like "humble beginning" or "small beginning" can offer similar connotations. By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively leverage "modest start" to add depth and context to their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humble beginning

Focuses on the humility and lack of pretension in the beginning.

small beginning

Emphasizes the diminutive size or scale of the initial phase.

gradual commencement

Highlights the slow and progressive nature of the starting phase.

initial stage

A more generic term, referring to the very first phase of a process.

early phase

Similar to "initial stage", but puts a bit more emphasis on its position in a timeline.

understated launch

Suggests a deliberate effort to downplay the introduction or start.

quiet inception

Highlights the unobtrusive and subtle nature of the beginning.

limited kickoff

Emphasizes the constrained or restricted nature of the initial launch.

unassuming opening

Stresses the lack of pretension or grandiosity in the beginning.

simple genesis

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of complexity in the origin or start.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest start" to describe a beginning that is small, humble, or unassuming. For example, "The organization had a "modest start", operating out of a small office with limited funding, but it has since grown into a global powerhouse."

What's a good alternative to "modest start"?

Alternatives to "modest start" include "humble beginning", "small beginning", or "gradual commencement". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "modest start" in a formal context?

Yes, "modest start" is appropriate for formal contexts, such as business reports or academic papers, especially when describing the early stages of a project or organization. It conveys a sense of realistic growth and potential.

What is the difference between "modest start" and "auspicious beginning"?

"Modest start" implies a small or humble beginning, while "auspicious beginning" suggests a promising or favorable start. Use "modest start" when you want to emphasize the small scale of the initial phase, and "auspicious beginning" when you want to highlight the favorable conditions or positive outlook of the initial phase.