modicum

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'modicum' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a small or limited amount of something, usually something desirable. For example, "I had a modicum of success with my last project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It excludes anyone who could lend a modicum of diversity to these debates; who might challenge the status quo on the environment, on devolution, on constitutional change, on free-market economics, on gender politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

He sits me down and pulls across a thin curtain to give us a modicum of privacy from the handful of waiting patients.

The Guardian

While a modicum of reassurance is provided by the fact that retailers have signed up to the pledge and to cottoncampaign.org – boycott if not – inevitably Uzbek cotton finds its way into the nation's knicker drawers and linen cupboards.

The Guardian

But waste in procurement coming only in average dribbles of, say, a trivial £1bn a time (a third of the total income from the licence fee) seems to induce only a modicum of interest among news editors and correspondents.

The Guardian - Opinion

He appointed new envoys for the task at the State and Defense Departments, and won a modicum of congressional support in a defense authorization bill he signed last week that removed a restriction on transfers from Guantánamo to overseas destinations.

The Guardian

If nothing else, it is proof that a modicum of democracy remains.

The Economist

A modicum of anxiety about its ambitions is more than just cold-war paranoia.

The Economist

At least if an enterprise is led by a party member, the party might retain a modicum of influence.

The Economist

Engagement was supposed to bring economic benefits to the benighted North; a modicum of mutual trust was meant to lessen its threat.

The Economist

Societies that try to resist this trend most notably the Arab countries, but also Japan and some southern European countries will pay a heavy price in the form of wasted talent and frustrated citizens.This revolution has been achieved with only a modicum of friction (see article).

The Economist

The absence of enough foreign troops to provide more than a modicum of security in its stead is another: before 8,000 NATO troops took charge of securing the four southern provinces on July 31st, America had one infantry battalion there.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modicum" when you want to emphasize that the amount is small but still significant or necessary. For example, "Even a "modicum" of effort can make a difference."

Common error

Avoid using "modicum" in very informal or casual contexts. It is a more formal word and might sound out of place in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler words like "bit" or "little" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "modicum" functions as a noun, typically used to quantify an abstract or intangible concept, such as effort, respect, or success. As indicated by Ludwig, "modicum" refers to a small, modest, or limited amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modicum" is a noun that describes a small, modest, or limited amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and most effectively used in formal and neutral contexts like news articles, business reports, or academic papers. The word serves to acknowledge the presence of something without overstating its quantity, often suggesting that even a small amount is significant. Related phrases include "small degree", "slight amount", and "touch of". When using "modicum", ensure the context aligns with its formal tone to avoid sounding out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

iota of

Referring to an extremely small amount, almost negligible.

slight amount

This alternative uses simpler language to convey the same meaning of a small quantity.

small degree

This alternative focuses on the extent or level, emphasizing the limited quantity or intensity.

touch of

This phrase often implies a subtle presence or influence, similar to a small amount.

speck of

Used to indicate a tiny, often visually small, amount or presence.

hint of

This alternative suggests a trace or suggestion of something, indicating a minimal quantity.

shade of

Suggests a subtle variation or degree, implying a minimal difference.

scant quantity

This alternative emphasizes the inadequacy or deficiency of the amount.

dash of

Commonly used for intangible qualities, indicating a small addition or influence.

mere fragment

This alternative highlights the small and incomplete nature of the portion.

FAQs

How can I use "modicum" in a sentence?

"Modicum" is used to describe a small, modest, or limited amount of something. For example, "He showed a "modicum" of respect."

What words can I use instead of "modicum"?

You can use alternatives like "small degree", "slight amount", or "touch of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a modicum of"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "a modicum of" is commonly used to indicate a small amount of something, as in "a "modicum" of effort" or "a "modicum" of success".

What is the difference between "modicum" and "minimum"?

"Modicum" refers to a small but often adequate amount, while "minimum" refers to the least possible quantity or degree. "Modicum" implies sufficiency despite its smallness, whereas "minimum" simply indicates the lower boundary.