modest supper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest supper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a simple or unpretentious evening meal, often implying a casual or informal setting. Example: "After a long day, we enjoyed a modest supper of soup and bread by the fireplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The final sequence has a delirious, inspirational quality, an extravagant and explicit reference to the last supper: the monks enjoy some unaccustomed red wine at their modest supper, as Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake plays – an almost Kubrickian flourish – and Beauvois's camera lingers on their careworn faces as they realise what must be in store for them all.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Determined to marry up, Alice Katharine Hepburnn) has invited a potential beau, the well-heeled Arthur Russell Fred MacMurrayy), to her modest home for supper.

The New Yorker

Until the current fuss, Renée Cox, the 43-year-old artist of "Yo Mama's Last Supper," occupied a modest spot in the art world a notch below Andres Serrano's position before he was catapulted to fame in a similar fiasco.

The New York Times

At how many other Michelin-starred restaurants can you get supper for such a modest outlay?

Independent

Supper done.

Independent

Supper Tuesday".

The New Yorker

Now supper.

The Guardian - Books

Start supper".

The New Yorker

She occasionally skipped supper.

The New Yorker

But supper first.

The Guardian - Travel

We are eating supper.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modest supper" to evoke a sense of simplicity and lack of pretension. It's particularly effective in historical or rural contexts, or when contrasting it with more lavish meals.

Common error

Avoid using "modest supper" too frequently in modern urban settings, as it can sound overly formal or anachronistic. Consider alternatives like "simple dinner" or "light meal" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest supper" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" modifies the noun "supper". According to Ludwig AI, it describes the type of evening meal. The phrase acts as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting a simple or unpretentious repast.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest supper" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a simple or unpretentious evening meal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While not highly common, its usage is appropriate for conveying a sense of humility or simplicity, especially in historical or rural settings. When using "modest supper", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and doesn't sound overly formal or anachronistic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple evening meal

Replaces "supper" with a more general term and "modest" with "simple", indicating a straightforward, uncomplicated meal.

humble dinner

Substitutes "modest" with "humble", emphasizing the lack of extravagance or pretension in the meal.

light supper

Focuses on the quantity of food, suggesting a small and not particularly filling evening meal.

plain supper

Highlights the lack of elaborate preparation or ingredients in the supper.

simple fare for supper

Replaces "modest supper" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the basic nature of the meal.

unpretentious dinner

Uses "unpretentious" to describe the lack of showiness or extravagance in the dinner.

frugal evening meal

Suggests that the meal is inexpensive or economical, perhaps due to necessity.

basic supper

Implies a supper with minimal ingredients and preparation.

unassuming supper

Highlights the lack of importance or specialness associated with the meal.

economical dinner

Suggests a cost-effective and simple meal.

FAQs

What does "modest supper" mean?

A "modest supper" refers to a simple, unpretentious evening meal, often implying a casual or informal setting. It suggests a lack of extravagance or elaborate preparation.

What can I say instead of "modest supper"?

You can use alternatives like "simple evening meal", "humble dinner", or "light supper" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "modest supper" formal or informal?

"Modest supper" leans towards a slightly more formal or old-fashioned tone compared to phrases like "simple dinner" or "easy meal". The formality also depends on the context of the writing.

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

You might say, "After a long day of work, we enjoyed a "modest supper" of soup and bread" or "The monks gathered for their "modest supper" in the refectory."