modicum of civilisation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modicum of civilisation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or moderate amount of culture, refinement, or social order in a particular context. Example: "Despite the chaos surrounding them, they managed to maintain a modicum of civilisation in their community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Banning browsing before breakfast can reintroduce a modicum of civilisation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the early 1990s he described himself as an "advocate of civilisation, definer of civilisation, teacher of the rules of civilisation…leader (possibly) of the civilising forces".

The Economist

Surely, the end of civilisation.

Independent

CRADLE of civilisation.

The Guardian - Film

Research libraries preserve the record of civilisation.

The Economist

They suggest a failure of civilisation.

Independent

WHAT is the basis of civilisation?

The Economist

Hours are spent without sign of civilisation.

Independent

What had caused this outbreak of civilisation?

Independent

End of civilisation, right there".

The Guardian - Sport

One of the masterworks of civilisation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modicum of civilisation" to describe situations where basic social norms and cultural refinements are barely present or are struggling to be maintained.

Common error

Avoid using "modicum of civilisation" when describing environments that exhibit clear and substantial cultural or social development. It's intended for contexts where civilisation is tenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of civilisation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe the extent or presence of cultural and social refinement. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe situations where civilisation is barely present.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modicum of civilisation" describes a limited or barely present amount of cultural or social refinement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct, though rare in usage, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "semblance of civilisation" and "degree of civilisation", offering nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, it's best to describe contexts where societal norms are tenuous. Avoid overstating the presence of civilisation, as this phrase implies it is fragile or scarce. The examples confirm "modicum of civilisation" is mostly used to express commentary in situations when society is falling apart.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

semblance of civilisation

Replaces "modicum" with "semblance", emphasizing a superficial appearance of civilisation.

degree of civilisation

Substitutes "modicum" with "degree", indicating a specific level or extent of civilisation.

trace of civilisation

Uses "trace" instead of "modicum", suggesting a faint or minimal presence of civilisation.

hint of civilisation

Employs "hint" to convey a subtle indication or suggestion of civilisation.

vestige of civilisation

Replaces "modicum" with "vestige", implying a surviving remnant of past civilisation.

element of civilisation

Substitutes "modicum" with "element", focusing on a specific component of civilisation.

touch of civilisation

Uses "touch" instead of "modicum", suggesting a slight or delicate aspect of civilisation.

fragment of civilisation

Employs "fragment" to indicate a small, broken piece or part of civilisation.

iota of civilisation

Replaces "modicum" with "iota", conveying an extremely small quantity of civilisation.

speck of civilisation

Substitutes "modicum" with "speck", emphasizing a tiny, almost negligible amount of civilisation.

FAQs

How can I use "modicum of civilisation" in a sentence?

Use "modicum of civilisation" to describe situations where there's only a small amount of cultural refinement or social order. For example, "Despite the challenges, they maintained a "modicum of civilisation" in their community".

What are some alternatives to "modicum of civilisation"?

You could use phrases like "semblance of civilisation", "degree of civilisation", or "trace of civilisation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "modicum of civilisation" formal or informal?

The phrase "modicum of civilisation" leans towards the formal side, often found in news reports and academic discussions. It's suitable for serious or analytical contexts rather than casual conversation.

What does "modicum" really mean?

"Modicum" means a small or moderate amount. When combined with "civilisation", it suggests a limited or barely sufficient degree of social and cultural development or refinement.