modicum of power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modicum of power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or limited amount of power or influence that someone possesses. Example: "Despite his modest position, he wielded a surprising modicum of power within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

He also favours a political reform that would restore a modicum of power to the presidency.

The Economist

Granted a modicum of power, he found it a pledge he could not honour.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you give a man a modicum of power, he's going to want his assistant to move his car.

The New Yorker

The early suffrage movement wanted to protect women as well as give them a modicum of power.

The Guardian - Opinion

By Broti Gupta and Katie Barsotti December 23 , 2017If you give a man a modicum of power, he's going to want his assistant to move his car.

The New Yorker

If you ask a man with a modicum of power to leave, he will demand a thirty-five-million-dollar golden parachute.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

If a modicum of power-sharing can be achieved, it will require the kind of effort that we exerted when I was in Baghdad, from 2007 to 2009, and that we have not seen for too long.

The Washington Post

Despite harnessing a modicum of star power, Mr. Falor wasn't able to sell enough condos to keep all his deals moving along while paying down his mortgages on the properties.

The New York Times

Yet when ordinary African-Americans possessed a modicum of political power or economic independence, they attempted to prevent lynchings, whether by standing up to a mob, sneaking a fugitive out of town or forcing a local sheriff to protect him.

The New York Times - Books

This amount of data requires a modicum of processing power.

Forbes

But many complex systems and processes have been modeled well enough to provide a modicum of predictive power.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "modicum of power" when you want to emphasize that someone has a small or limited amount of influence, often in contrast to a situation where they might be expected to have more.

Common error

Avoid using "modicum of power" when simpler phrases like "a little power" or "some influence" would suffice. The phrase is more impactful when highlighting a surprisingly small amount of authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of power" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modicum of power" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a limited amount of authority or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it adds nuance when emphasizing the limited nature of the power being described. When considering related phrases, be aware of the subtle shifts in meaning and formality that each alternative may introduce. Understanding these distinctions will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight degree of influence

Replaces "modicum" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing the small amount of influence.

limited amount of authority

Substitutes "power" with "authority" and "modicum" with "limited amount", altering the tone slightly.

small measure of control

Uses "measure" instead of "modicum", and "control" instead of "power", maintaining the core meaning.

some limited influence

Rephrases to emphasize the limitation on influence, using "some" to indicate a small quantity.

a touch of authority

Employs a more figurative expression, using "touch" to suggest a minimal level of authority.

minimal level of control

Directly states the level of control as minimal, simplifying the language.

a hint of power

Uses "hint" to indicate a subtle or barely perceptible amount of power.

restricted influence

Focuses on the restriction of influence, implying a limited scope.

a trickle of power

A more metaphorical option, suggesting a very small and gradual flow of power.

fractional authority

Expresses power as a fraction emphasizing how little power is available.

FAQs

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

You can use "modicum of power" to describe someone who possesses a small amount of authority or influence. For example, "Despite his junior role, he held a "modicum of power" within the team."

What are some alternatives to "modicum of power"?

Alternatives include "small measure of control", "limited amount of authority", or "slight degree of influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "modicum of power" formal or informal?

"Modicum of power" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It is suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional communication.

What is the difference between "modicum of power" and "significant power"?

"Modicum of power" implies a small, limited amount of power, while "significant power" suggests a substantial or considerable amount of influence. They are opposites in meaning.