modestly different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modestly different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has slight or minor differences compared to something else. Example: "The new model is modestly different from the previous version, featuring only a few updated components."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It is conservative to compare FST to the entire HapMap, since as we show in Supplementary Material, Fig. S2, it is only modestly different from ENCODE, and the difference is in the direction that the HapMap distribution has more SNPs with high FST values.

Human Molecular Genetics

It's more likely that Whole Foods is modestly different in many respects, and that such modest differences have amounted to a business that is somewhat unconventional.

The New York Times - Magazine

We then implemented a backward selection procedure (Conesa et al. 2006) that removed parameters from the full quadratic model with P values > 0.001, a stringent threshold that better enabled us to exclude genes with modestly different temporal trajectories between met1 genotypes, but little to no difference in elevation (i.e., expression levels).

Genome Biology and Evolution

We recently presented longer (8+ year) follow-up data [ 10] demonstrating that the overall disease-free and overall survival differences based on hormonal receptor status appear to be only modestly different: for overall survival it was 84% in receptor negative compared to 88% in patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors.

Breast Cancer Research

The Mid-250 index will also look modestly different from today; with Sears falling into private hands, advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi (up 1.2p to 165p) joins the grouping.

The Guardian - Business

But even now, Taiwan's culture bears a heavy Japanese influence and the Mandarin on Taiwan is modestly different from that of the mainland.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

As confirmed by a recent study [ 9], the levels of APP, β-secretase (BACE1), and γ-secretase (presenilin 1) differ only modestly between different brain regions.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

The amount of additional 131I-MIBG activity that could be safely added to 90Y-DOTATOC along with the required fractional reduction in 90Y activity would change modestly if different normal organ (kidney and marrow) dose limits were applied as depicted in Table 3.

EJNMMI Research

As shown in Figure 1, the expression of most of these genes varied modestly at different stages of growth and development.

BMC Genomics

Similarly, regarding the results with the CYP2C9D mutant, we emphasize that this mutation is modestly structurally different than the wild type CYP2C9 in crystal structures, although the mutant binds and metabolizes ligands with similar catalytic properties.

Biochemistry

Although the level of primary and secondary job holding declined in the Great Recession, the aggregate MJH rate declined only modestly, not markedly different from declines seen prior to 2008 and after 2010.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context. While acceptable in most settings, "modestly different" may sound slightly less formal than alternatives like "marginally distinct" in highly academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "modestly different" when the differences are, in fact, significant. If the variations have a noticeable impact, consider using stronger terms like "significantly different" or "markedly distinct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modestly different" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a slight degree of dissimilarity. It suggests that while there are distinctions, they are not substantial. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modestly different" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a slight degree of dissimilarity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in science and news, where accurate yet nuanced comparisons are needed. While it's essential not to overstate the significance of differences when using this phrase, it serves as a valuable tool for conveying minor variations without exaggeration. Related phrases like "slightly dissimilar" or "somewhat distinct" can provide alternative options for expressing subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly dissimilar

Emphasizes a small degree of dissimilarity.

somewhat distinct

Highlights a certain degree of distinction, though not substantial.

marginally distinct

Indicates a distinction that is at the edge of being noticeable.

a bit unalike

Uses a more informal tone to denote a small difference.

hardly identical

Focuses on the lack of complete identity, implying a minor difference.

minutely varied

Stresses the small scale of variation.

barely distinguishable

Highlights the difficulty in telling the difference.

subtly contrasting

Emphasizes that the contrast is not immediately apparent.

imperceptibly diverse

Suggests that the diversity is almost impossible to perceive.

negligibly divergent

Indicates that the divergence is so small it can be ignored.

FAQs

What does "modestly different" mean?

The phrase "modestly different" describes something that has slight or minor differences compared to something else. The differences are present, but not significant.

What are some synonyms for "modestly different"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly dissimilar", "somewhat distinct", or "marginally distinct" depending on the context.

How can I use "modestly different" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The new software version is "modestly different" from the previous one, featuring only minor user interface improvements."

When should I use "modestly different" versus "significantly different"?

Use "modestly different" when the variations are small and do not cause a substantial change. Use "significantly different" when the variations are large enough to have a noticeable impact.