modicum of effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modicum of effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or minimal amount of effort required to achieve something. Example: "If you put in a modicum of effort, you will see significant improvements in your performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But it does require a modicum of effort and awareness of one's own surroundings.

The Guardian - Opinion

A man I walked past the last time it was raining did not assert this modicum of effort.

The Guardian - Opinion

But for people with a minimum of training, the keyboard-mouse combo performs a number of sophisticated tasks quickly with a modicum of effort.

Forbes

Each manufacturer makes a modicum of effort to allow their smartphone to sync with someone else's services, but as is too often the case, such integration is usually lacking some important functionality.

TechCrunch

With just a modicum of effort, you can watch such modern classics as "DISRESPECTFUL NIGGER GETS THUMPED," "typical nigger behavior," and that toe-tapping ditty, "Quit your bitchn' nigger!" by Johnny Rebel.

Vice

Once compliance with the request required a modicum of effort on the subject's part, thoughtful responding seemed to take the place of mindlessness, and the reason now seemed to matter.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's a one-piece carafe/cone combo, fetchingly shaped like an hourglass and fully vetted by the coffee cognoscenti, who assured me that it would ask for just a modicum of extra effort and answer that with coffee bliss.

The New York Times

It must of course be understood that even the simplest sports, such as weightlifting, require a modicum of intellectual effort, while others, such as baseball, involve a considerable amount of mental alertness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Facebooks algorithm's have thus far been largely tuned by what you're liking/sharing/commenting on — actions that all require at least a modicum of conscious effort.

TechCrunch

I get it, but perhaps with just a modicum of extra effort, the city of Las Vegas can get a bit more out of their underclasses.

Vice

Saying that they "had somehow contrived a modicum of success with a minimum of effort," he reported that "neither Andrew nor I had remembered to discuss the meanings of various actions if the opponents interfered with our Blackwood sequences".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modicum of effort", consider your audience and the context. It can add a touch of sophistication, but in very informal settings, simpler alternatives like "small amount of effort" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "modicum of effort" in very casual or informal communication. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in contexts where simpler language would be more natural and effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or adjunct to describe the level of exertion required for a task. It quantifies effort in a minimal sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modicum of effort" is a grammatically correct phrase indicating that a task requires only a small amount of exertion. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, also showing some presence in formal business settings. While not overly formal, it's less common in casual speech, where simpler alternatives might be preferred. Keep in mind that overuse can sound pretentious in some settings. By using best practices of the writing guidance, and being aware of common errors, you can sound more professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small amount of effort

Replaces "modicum" with a more common synonym, slightly reducing formality.

minimal effort

Emphasizes the effort is kept to a bare minimum.

slight effort

Indicates a small degree of effort.

bit of effort

Uses a more casual expression to convey a small amount of effort.

degree of effort

Highlights that the quantity of the effort might not be big.

nominal effort

Conveys that the effort is barely noticeable.

a touch of effort

A more figurative way to express a small amount of required effort.

least bit of effort

Stresses that it's the smallest amount of effort possible.

minimum of effort

Focuses on reducing the effort to the absolute lowest requirement.

token effort

Implies that the effort is made more for appearance than genuine impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "modicum of effort" to indicate that something requires only a small or minimal amount of exertion. For example, "With a "modicum of effort", you can significantly improve your grades".

What are some alternatives to "modicum of effort"?

Some alternatives to "modicum of effort" include "small amount of effort", "minimal effort", or "slight effort", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "modicum of effort" formal or informal?

"Modicum of effort" leans towards the formal side. In casual settings, consider using simpler phrases like "bit of effort" or "small amount of work".

What does "modicum" mean?

"Modicum" means a small or moderate amount of something. Therefore, "modicum of effort" means a small amount of effort.