modicum of information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modicum of information" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or limited amount of information on a particular subject. Example: "The report provided only a modicum of information about the project's progress, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Indeed, engineers do start with a modicum of information in any design.

Biomedical Ethics for Engineers Ethics and Decision Making in Biomedical and Biosystem Engineering

Even if stymied in their defense, lawyers can expect a modicum of information about their clients.

The New York Times

Those heaving money at companies like Facebook are doing so with only a modicum of information about the companies' performance.

The New York Times

It's essentially an emotional experience for the audience, and usually a modicum of information is more than enough to trigger those emotions.

The New York Times

Second, in the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, 2 U.S.C. 267, 2 U.S.C.A. § 267, Congress requires those engaged in lobbying to divulge their identities and give 'a modicum of information' to Congress.

Cornell University

The persons affected by the change of duty are entitled to a hearing, and this involves, so it is said, such a modicum of information, such a disclosure of the costs in the form of percentages of the market price or otherwise, as to give notice of the ultimate facts to be contested and overcome.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Moreover, apart from the knowledge gap, there is also an information gap: Project documents, for instance, are rarely self-contained entities, and a modicum of background information on the relevant project often helps significantly in interpreting otherwise cryptic references.

Science Magazine

(Travelocity doesn't have a section devoted to family travel, and Orbitz provides just a modicum of such information).

The New York Times - Travel

Through Six Sigma analyses, many G.E. businesses concluded that customers, given a modicum of extra information, would willingly handle a lot of repair work themselves.

The New York Times

We show how to address these multiple problems, even with sparse data, by deriving explicit functions for state transitions and state detection, and by combining a modicum of auxiliary information indicative of a female's reproductive state with a mild assumption about the relationship between detection rate and reproductive rate.

Ecological Modelling

In the table below, I've listed the current forecasts at seven different Web sites that use state polls, sometimes along with a modicum of other information like a state's past voting history, to produce predictions of the popular vote in each state.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modicum of information" when you want to emphasize that the amount of information available is small but sufficient for a specific purpose. It adds a touch of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "modicum of information" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "a little information" or "some details" are more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of information" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a limited quantity of data, often implying that the amount is just sufficient for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is often employed in contexts where the availability of information is a key consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modicum of information" refers to a small or limited amount of data. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While it is not a very common phrase, it adds a touch of formality and precision when emphasizing the limited nature of available data. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as "small amount of information" or "scant information". Overall, understanding the register and context is key to effectively using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small amount of information

Replaces "modicum" with a more common and less formal synonym.

limited information

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the information available.

scant information

Highlights the insufficiency or inadequacy of the information.

small quantity of data

Uses "data" instead of "information", suitable for technical contexts.

minimal details

Focuses on the lack of specific or elaborate information.

a trickle of information

Suggests that information is being released slowly or in small amounts.

a smattering of knowledge

Implies a superficial or incomplete understanding.

basic facts

Refers to only the fundamental pieces of information being provided.

elementary information

Suggests the information is simple and introductory.

a hint of data

Indicates that only a slight amount of data is available.

FAQs

What does "modicum of information" mean?

The phrase "modicum of information" refers to a small or limited amount of data or knowledge about a particular subject. It suggests that only a minimal amount of information is available or necessary.

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

You can use "modicum of information" when you want to indicate that only a small amount of information is needed or available. For example: "Engineers start with a "modicum of information" in any design."

What can I say instead of "modicum of information"?

You can use alternatives like "small amount of information", "limited information", or "scant information" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "modicum of information" formal or informal?

"Modicum of information" leans towards the more formal side. In informal contexts, it might be more appropriate to use phrases like "a little information" or "some details".