modest tone

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest tone" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone's attitude or manner of speaking. For example, "He spoke with a modest tone, as if he didn't want to draw attention to himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In a modest tone, Varmus places his work within a dense web of related discoveries.

The New York Times - Books

When pressed, and not in an auditorium before a loaded slide show, he adopts a more modest tone.

The New Yorker

Still, Ross's wry, intelligent and modest tone alone is an appealing contrast to the Bush administration's bombast, which it has only recently begun to temper.

The New York Times - Books

In keeping with the modest tone of his inauguration, Mr. Cuomo's formal ceremony will take place on Saturday inside the State Capitol in front of about 175 invited guests, family members and reporters.

The New York Times

While I eyeballed this instrument, having just come in from my visit with the chiropractor, a brisk, modest tone began, and the tiny screen showed ten digits I didn't recognize.

The New Yorker

Instead, the Billfold accused Williams of suffering from Impostor Syndrome, going so far as to mock her modest tone on Twitter before arrogantly telling the correspondent how wrong she was about her own life choices.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Viñoly describes his new 63,000 sq m tower in modest tones, referring to the way the building looms southward towards the Thames as a form of deference: he calls it "bowing to the river".

The Guardian - Arts

This appears to have changed after the TAR, when the reasonable, moderate and modest tones that we expect from scientists changed dramatically.The climategate emails gave us a glimpse at the behind the scenes activities to keep out papers that didn't support the required answer.

BBC

Burr spoke in a sad, low tone of circumspect rage, with an expression one might reserve for a martyr, and Price, with a modest smile, responded as such.

The New Yorker

"Modest in tone, ironic, reflective, and utterly precise in its effects, this book is all of a piece," Rafferty wrote, "the proud result of a rigorous and exacting attention to standards — a novel that fulfills its author's intentions as flawlessly as a 'classic' short story from the college anthologies".

The New Yorker

Front National leader Jean-Marie le Pen, currently scoring around 13percentnt in the opinion polls, had launched himself on a campaign of modest rhetoric, toning down on the anti-immigrant slogans.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's speech or writing, use "modest tone" to indicate a sense of humility and lack of pretension.

Common error

Avoid using "modest tone" when you mean to describe shyness or lack of confidence. "Modest tone" implies a deliberate choice to downplay one's achievements, while shyness suggests a general discomfort in social situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest tone" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a subject's manner of expression. As Ludwig AI's analysis suggests, it's frequently used to characterize speech or writing that lacks arrogance or pretension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modest tone" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a humble and unpretentious manner of speaking or writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase frequently appears in news and media contexts. When aiming to convey humility and avoid boastfulness, opting for a "modest tone" proves useful. Remember to differentiate it from shyness; a "modest tone" is a deliberate choice, while shyness is a general disposition. Overall, "modest tone" is a versatile and appropriate descriptor for various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humble demeanor

Emphasizes the overall behavior and presentation, not just the auditory aspect.

restrained manner

Focuses on the controlled and reserved nature of the communication.

understated style

Highlights the lack of extravagance or showiness in the communication.

subdued expression

Suggests a quiet and reserved way of conveying thoughts or emotions.

gentle approach

Highlights the mildness and consideration in the way something is expressed.

low-key delivery

Focuses on the relaxed and unassertive presentation of information.

measured language

Highlights the careful and deliberate choice of words.

temperate voice

Focuses on the calmness and control in the vocal delivery.

unassuming air

Highlights the lack of pretension or arrogance in the communication.

reserved attitude

Emphasizes the overall restrained and cautious nature of the communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest tone" to describe someone's manner of speaking or writing when they are being humble or downplaying their achievements. For instance, "She accepted the award with a "modest tone", thanking her colleagues for their support".

What's a situation where using "modest tone" is appropriate?

Using a "modest tone" is fitting when acknowledging accomplishments, especially when you want to avoid appearing boastful or arrogant. It shows humility and respect for others.

What are some phrases similar to "modest tone"?

Similar phrases include "humble demeanor", "restrained manner", and "understated style". These alternatives convey a sense of humility and lack of pretension.

Is "modest tone" formal or informal?

"Modest tone" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. It's generally appropriate whenever you want to describe someone's humility or lack of arrogance in their communication.