modest study

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest study" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a study that is not overly ambitious or extensive, often implying a more humble or limited scope. Example: "The researchers conducted a modest study to explore the effects of sleep on cognitive performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Psychology: Moral in the Morning People are less likely to lie and cheat in the morning, according to a modest study published in the journal Psychological Science.

The New York Times - Science

While no country has a perfect model for such programs, Professor Lerman pointed to a modest study of a German effort done last summer by an intern from that country.

The New York Times

A Christian historian might trust that even a modest study of the Spanish-American War, or of Rhode Island history, would do a small part to reveal the providential nature of all history.

The New York Times

A clever if modest study of the strains that success can put on a sturdy friendship, the play is less flashy but far more appealing than Mr. Moses' notable previous drama about the anxieties and rewards of the artistic life, "Bach at Leipzig".

The New York Times

Yet, a page later, he summarises the protests in terms that suggest a much less modest study: "We're in the middle of a revolution caused by the near-collapse of free-market capitalism," he writes, "combined with an upswing in technical innovation" – he means mobile telephony and the internet – "a surge in desire for individual freedom and a change in human consciousness about what freedom means".

The Guardian - Books

This modest study sought to evaluate the process and impact of one Health Visitor's use of infant massage.

Clinical Effectiveness in Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

While the tax is modest, studies around the world demonstrate that it can impact purchasing decisions, and, in turn, improve public health outcomes.

Huffington Post

Although the changes in endogenous Oct4 expression are modest, studies with the human Oct4 gene promoter show that the effects of B-Myb on this gene are unambiguous.

Plosone

In this modest sized study, the dose of furosemide was not standardized and the study did not report if the patients had early stage AKI or any evidence of AKI at all.

Critical Care

"I would hope by this modest descriptive study to put things on an empirical footing".

The New York Times - Science

However, reductions in symptoms have often been modest, and study designs have lacked rigor, with only a small minority representing RCTs.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research, use "modest study" to accurately represent the scale and scope of the work, especially when acknowledging limitations or preliminary findings.

Common error

Avoid using "modest study" to downplay crucial findings. Ensure your description aligns with the actual impact and contributions of the research, even if the scale is limited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest study" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "modest" modifies the noun "study". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest study" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing research that is limited in scope or scale. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While often used in scientific and news media, it's important to ensure that the term accurately reflects the study's significance and findings. Alternatives such as "small-scale research" or "limited investigation" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small-scale research

Emphasizes the limited scale and scope of the research.

limited investigation

Highlights the restricted nature of the inquiry or examination.

preliminary analysis

Suggests an initial or early stage of examination and interpretation.

focused inquiry

Highlights a concentrated investigation on a specific topic.

targeted assessment

Implies a precise and specific evaluation.

pilot project

Denotes an early-stage experimental endeavor.

exploratory research

Suggests an investigation aimed at discovering new insights.

basic survey

Indicates a fundamental and straightforward data collection effort.

constrained analysis

Emphasizes the limitations and restrictions on the analytical process.

introductory study

Indicates a basic examination to provide foundational knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest study" to describe a research effort that is limited in scope or scale, such as "The researchers conducted a "modest study" to explore the effects of caffeine on short-term memory".

What are some alternatives to "modest study"?

Alternatives include "small-scale research", "limited investigation", or "preliminary analysis". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "modest study" in a formal academic paper?

Yes, "modest study" is appropriate, particularly when acknowledging the limitations of your research or describing its scope relative to broader investigations. It's a neutral and accurate descriptor.

What distinguishes a "modest study" from a comprehensive one?

A "modest study" typically involves a smaller sample size, a narrower research question, or a shorter duration compared to a comprehensive study. It may also focus on exploratory or preliminary findings rather than definitive conclusions.