modest sum

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest sum" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a relatively small amount of money or resources. Example: "The fundraising campaign was a success, raising a modest sum of $10,000 for the local food bank."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I proposed the modest sum of $4,000 a month.

The New York Times - Magazine

The ransom reportedly demanded by those who hacked Atlanta's computer network is a strangely modest sum.

The New Yorker

At the start of the school year, you contribute a modest sum of money.

The New York Times

Mr. Muller accepted a modest sum, about $15,000, for the models.

The New York Times

Yes, The Post was paying me a modest sum to do so.

The Washington Post

Mr. Jaquith sold his interest in First Hanover for a modest sum.

The New York Times

She bought it for what she describes as a "modest sum".

The New Yorker

Ladbrokes paid a modest sum to Anita Iacovou and her family.

The Guardian - Business

The modest sum understates the deal's significance for the book industry.

The New York Times

By way of indemnity, he demanded a modest sum of money.

The New Yorker

That's a modest sum, critics say, given the potential economic losses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest sum" when you want to downplay the amount of money involved, often to highlight other, more important factors or to express humility.

Common error

While "modest sum" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms when conveying specific financial information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest sum" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It refers to a quantity of money that is considered relatively small or insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest sum" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a relatively small amount of money. Ludwig AI indicates it is a correct and commonly used phrase. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, and serves to downplay the financial aspect of a situation. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts, as indicated in the writing guidance. When you want to express a similar meaning, consider alternatives like "small amount" or "reasonable amount". Use "modest sum" when you want to show the insignificance of the financial aspect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small amount

Focuses on the diminutive quantity, omitting the implication of reasonableness.

reasonable amount

Emphasizes the fairness or appropriateness of the quantity, rather than its size.

small fortune

Ironical phrase, denotes insignificance from a materialistic point of view.

nominal fee

Specifically relates to fees or charges, implying a very low cost.

modicum of funds

Uses more formal language to express a small quantity of money.

slight compensation

Refers specifically to monetary compensation, implying it is not substantial.

humble payment

Emphasizes the lowliness of the payment, potentially suggesting it is less than deserved.

limited budget

Focuses on the restriction of the budget itself.

fair price

Implies that the cost is equitable and just, but may not necessarily be small.

small change

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount, often in a dismissive way.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest sum" to describe a small amount of money. For example, "He inherited a "modest sum" from his grandmother."

What can I say instead of "modest sum"?

Alternatives include "small amount", "reasonable amount", or "nominal fee", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "modest sum"?

It's appropriate to use "modest sum" when you want to imply that an amount is relatively small and not particularly significant, often to emphasize other aspects of a situation.

What's the difference between "modest sum" and "small fortune"?

"Modest sum" refers to a small amount of money. "Small fortune" on the other hand, is an ironic expression that usually emphasizes that a large amount of money is not enough for something specific, therefore its value is insignificant.