of modest means

USAGE SUMMARY

"of modest means" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's financial situation or social status, indicating that they have limited or modest financial resources. Example: "Growing up in a small town, Sarah came from a family of modest means. Despite their financial struggles, her parents worked hard to provide a good education for their children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

KATONAH -- "Of Modest Means: Small Works Exhibition".

The New York Times

His public financial disclosures depict a man of modest means.

The Guardian

But the actual beneficiaries are American households of modest means.

The New Yorker

While striving for recognition, Oliver was of modest means.

The Guardian - Books

His parents were of modest means but hardly poor.

The New Yorker

Tsiolkovsky was from a family of modest means.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Parents are mostly of modest means, but desperate.

The Economist

For parents of modest means, urban summers present pitfalls.

The New York Times

Petrassi was born to a family of modest means.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This tradition is not atypical for families of modest means.

The New York Times

He was one of St . Pauls most eligible bachelors, though his family was of modest means.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of modest means", ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to financial resources or socioeconomic status. Avoid using it in contexts where 'modest' could be interpreted as referring to personality or behavior.

Common error

Don't confuse "of modest means" with phrases describing personal qualities. This phrase specifically refers to financial status and should not be used to describe someone's personality or behavior, such as saying someone is "of modest means" when you mean they are humble or unassuming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of modest means" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone's financial background or economic status. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common way to indicate limited financial resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of modest means" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe individuals or families with limited financial resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to convey socioeconomic status in a polite and widely understood manner. Predominantly found in news articles and encyclopedias, its register is generally neutral, leaning towards formal. While alternatives like "with limited resources" or "economically disadvantaged" exist, "of modest means" offers a tactful way to communicate financial limitations without being overly blunt. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly refers to financial status, avoiding any confusion with personal qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not wealthy

Directly states the absence of wealth.

with limited resources

Focuses on the constraint of resources, emphasizing the limitation rather than the financial status.

on a tight budget

Implies careful management of limited funds.

economically disadvantaged

Highlights the disadvantageous position in the economic system.

with limited financial capacity

Focuses on the constrained ability to handle finances.

financially humble

Uses "humble" to describe financial status, implying simplicity and lack of extravagance.

living with financial constraints

Highlights the act of living under restricted financial conditions.

from humble backgrounds

Emphasizes the origin from a less privileged environment.

struggling financially

Focuses on the active struggle to manage finances.

in straightened circumstances

A more formal and indirect way of describing financial difficulties.

FAQs

How do you use "of modest means" in a sentence?

Use "of modest means" to describe someone's socioeconomic background or financial status. For instance, "The scholarship was created to support students from families "of modest means"".

What is a synonym for "of modest means"?

Alternatives to "of modest means" include "with limited resources", "economically disadvantaged", or "not wealthy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "of modest means" in formal writing?

Yes, "of modest means" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and widely understood way to describe someone's financial situation. However, in some contexts, more specific or sensitive phrasing might be preferred.

What's the difference between "of modest means" and "poor"?

"Of modest means" is a more polite and less direct way of saying someone is not wealthy. "Poor" implies a more severe lack of resources, while "of modest means" suggests a more relative lack of wealth compared to others.