modestly passing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modestly passing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is acceptable or satisfactory, but not outstanding or exceptional. Example: "Her performance in the competition was modestly passing, enough to qualify for the next round but not impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The work is art and, also, in its sumptuously and modestly passing way, something other and better than art.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the turreted and fortified Château de la Rochepot, high on its forested hill overlooking the idyllic landscape, Anne-Laurence modestly passes us on to the in-castle guide, although she herself was once a guide here.

The New York Times - Travel

And in the just over 20 minutes Zardes was on the field it was possible to see the value of some of those subtler virtues as he modestly passed and moved to keep the infrequent US attacks going.

The Guardian - Sport

"I knew I wasn't that type of quarterback," said Hall, a modestly talented passer who becomes more dangerous when he scrambles.

The New York Times - Sports

From Wilson, who finished with 385 passing yards, the words rang modestly sincere, conveyed in such a tone that no Seahawks player would take offense.

The New York Times - Sports

Scores went up modestly, but enough students did better so the city could claim the percentage of Black and Latino students passing the tests, not doing well, just passing the tests, had risen significantly and the racial gap had disappeared.

Huffington Post

Moviegoers have had their hands full lately trying to unravel the threads of "Pulp Fiction," Quentin Tarantino's groovy movie about two hit men, which continues to give grief to the Hollywood executives who passed up the modestly budgeted project early on.

The New Yorker

The New York Legislature passed a bill today modestly extending wiretapping rules in cases of suspected terrorists.

The New York Times

The loans also are modestly profitable, as the foreign central banks pass on to the Fed the interest payments that they collect from borrowers.

The New York Times

Despite the vast sums of money that passed through his foundation, Edhi lived modestly with his family in a two-room apartment adjacent to the headquarters of his foundation.

The Guardian

"If there is a solution for Argentina's crisis it passes through the Peronist party and, more modestly, through me," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modestly passing" when you want to describe something that progresses or happens without drawing attention or being ostentatious. It suggests a sense of humility and restraint.

Common error

Avoid using "modestly passing" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise and descriptive language might be required. Consider stronger alternatives that clearly convey the specific action or result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modestly passing" functions as an adverbial modifier combined with a verb, describing the manner in which something is progressing or occurring. It indicates that the action is taking place in an understated or unassuming way, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modestly passing" is a grammatically correct adverb-verb phrase used to describe something progressing or happening in an understated or unassuming manner. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although its frequency is rare, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, consider its neutral register and ensure it aligns with the desired tone of humility and restraint. While semantically correct, be aware that more descriptive terms might be required for formal or technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unassumingly progressing

Focuses on the lack of pretension in the progress being made.

quietly succeeding

Emphasizes the understated nature of the success.

humbly advancing

Highlights the humility with which progress is achieved.

discreetly moving forward

Stresses the subtle and unobtrusive manner of advancement.

gently evolving

Implies a gradual and delicate process of development.

reservedly going by

Highlights the restraint with which time passes.

inconspicuously developing

Focuses on the lack of visibility in the development process.

subtly unfolding

Emphasizes the delicate and nuanced nature of the progression.

unpretentiously proceeding

Highlights the absence of arrogance or showiness in the process.

demurely advancing

Implies a shy or modest way of progressing.

FAQs

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

You can use "modestly passing" to describe something acceptable but not outstanding, like "Her performance in the competition was modestly passing, enough to qualify for the next round but not impressive."

What are some synonyms for "modestly passing"?

Alternatives include "unassumingly progressing", "quietly succeeding", or "humbly advancing", depending on the specific context.

Is "modestly passing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "modestly passing" might be too informal for highly technical or academic contexts. Consider using more precise language to convey the intended meaning.

What does "modestly passing" imply about the subject?

The phrase suggests that the subject is progressing or succeeding in a way that is understated and without drawing undue attention to itself. It carries a sense of humility and restraint.