on the modest side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the modest side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is relatively small, simple, or not extravagant in nature. Example: "The budget for the project is on the modest side, but we can still achieve great results with careful planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The first one, to be very fair with the World Energy Outlook and not to be on the modest side, in the year 2008, we said that a silent revolution is starting in North America.

Columbia University

As permanent collections go, El Museo del Barrio's is on the modest side.

The New York Times - Arts

The production will cost roughly $4 million, on the modest side for a Broadway musical.

The New York Times

Desserts are on the modest side, but they seem just right for a neighborhood place.

The New York Times - Food

A good title for a second album, but perhaps a bit on the modest side.

The Guardian - Music

Where to Stay One can opt for opulence or for something on the modest side.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This project in the Sebago Lakes area just northwest of Portland, Me., is on the more modest side.

The New York Times

Wages, meanwhile, are high, but still on the relatively modest side, by international standards.

The Guardian - Sport

With one stunningly large exception, the art in this show is on the small side and quite modest and tame.

The New York Times

"After Midnight" will cost approximately $6 million, on a modest side for a commercial Broadway musical.

The New York Times

What is more, if Tendulkar triumphed amid adversity, conquering the world from a position of weakness and carrying a modest side on his shoulders, his successors dominate from a position of strength.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "somewhat limited" or "rather modest" to avoid repetition and add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "on the modest side" when you actually mean 'minimal' or 'insignificant'. "Modest" implies a deliberate or acceptable level of limitation, not necessarily a negative lack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the modest side" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating that something is moderate, limited, or not excessive. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it describing budgets, collections, desserts, and even storm surges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the modest side" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is moderate, limited, or not excessive. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news and media contexts and has a neutral tone. While grammatically sound, writers should ensure the context is clear and that "modest" accurately reflects the intended meaning. Consider alternatives such as "somewhat limited" or "rather modest" for variety. As shown by Ludwig, examples range from budgets to desserts to scientific findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat understated

Indicates a subtle lack of emphasis, differing from the original phrase's focus on quantity or size.

relatively small-scale

Emphasizes the limited scope or extent, shifting the focus from general modesty to scale.

not particularly extravagant

Highlights the lack of lavishness or excess, contrasting with the original phrase's broader implication of being unassuming.

rather unpretentious

Suggests a lack of showiness or ostentation, moving away from modesty in size or amount.

fairly conservative

Implies a restrained or cautious approach, differing from the initial phrase's indication of limited size or scope.

a bit limited

Focuses specifically on the restricted nature of something, rather than its overall modesty.

somewhat scaled-down

Emphasizes the reduction in size or intensity, shifting from general modesty to a deliberate reduction.

comparatively restrained

Highlights the control or limitation applied, differentiating from the original phrase's broader indication of being moderate.

moderately sized

Focuses specifically on the size aspect of being modest, omitting other potential implications.

reasonably unassuming

Suggests a lack of assertiveness or pretension, diverging from the original phrase's emphasis on limited quantity or scale.

FAQs

How can I use "on the modest side" in a sentence?

You can use "on the modest side" to describe something that is relatively small, simple, or not extravagant. For example, "The budget for the project is "on the modest side", but we can still achieve great results with careful planning."

What can I say instead of "on the modest side"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat limited", "rather modest", or "relatively small-scale" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "on the modest side"?

Yes, the phrase ""on the modest side"" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something as being moderate or limited.

What's the difference between "on the modest side" and "on the small side"?

"On the modest side" can refer to various aspects, such as cost or ambition, while "on the small side" typically refers to physical size or quantity.