remarkably modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remarkably modest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is surprisingly humble or unassuming in nature or behavior. Example: "Despite her numerous achievements, she remained remarkably modest about her success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Most were remarkably modest.

The New York Times - Arts

It's remarkably modest compared to most literary biopics or indeed most movies about artists.

The Guardian - Books

But as they spoke, she found him to be remarkably modest about his work.

The New York Times - Style

In interviews Ms. Buss was remarkably modest about her vanguard role in a male-dominated profession.

The New York Times - Arts

(In Hong Kong, these treats are available at a remarkably modest price, compared to cities like New York and London).

The New York Times

Mr. Golisano's pay package, just under $750,000 a year, is remarkably modest, executive compensation experts say.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Remarkably, a modest decline in TNFR1 protein expression by miR-511 was able to protect the mice against TNF.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

As a result of this political turmoil, even with the Court's modest shift to the left this term and general moderation, its standing in public-opinion polls is remarkably low.

The New Yorker

A composer famous for music that bristles with information is remarkably self-effacing; modest tunes appear from nowhere and without introduction, and disappear the same way.

The New York Times - Arts

The Dream Cruise has grown remarkably from its modest start as a fund-raiser for a suburban children's soccer field.

The New York Times

Buzz Johnson, who has died aged 62 from an arterial haemorrhage, was the founder of Karia Press, one of the small but dedicated band of African-Caribbean publishing initiatives in the UK that have had an impact remarkably disproportionate to their modest size and limited resources.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remarkably modest" to describe individuals or entities that exhibit a level of humility or simplicity that exceeds expectations, adding a layer of surprise or appreciation to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "remarkably modest" when the situation calls for genuine praise or recognition. Overusing the phrase may diminish the significance of the achievement or quality being described. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with a sincere expression of admiration rather than understated acknowledgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remarkably modest" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier enhancing the adjective. It modifies the adjective "modest", which describes a quality of humility or simplicity, by adding emphasis and surprise. Ludwig examples showcase this function in describing people's behavior or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remarkably modest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a surprising degree of humility or simplicity. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal settings. The phrase serves to express admiration or highlight a contrast, and its connotations should be carefully considered to ensure appropriate usage. Related phrases, such as "surprisingly humble" and "exceptionally unassuming", provide alternative ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprisingly humble

Replaces "modest" with a synonym emphasizing humility, and "remarkably" with "surprisingly", which highlights the unexpected nature of the humility.

exceptionally unassuming

Substitutes "modest" with "unassuming" and "remarkably" with "exceptionally", both intensifying the degree of simplicity and lack of pretension.

strikingly unpretentious

Replaces "modest" with "unpretentious" and "remarkably" with "strikingly", focusing on the absence of affectation or showiness.

notably restrained

Focuses on the controlled nature of the behavior, replacing "modest" with "restrained" and "remarkably" with "notably".

unexpectedly self-effacing

Highlights the self-deprecating quality, with "self-effacing" replacing "modest" and "remarkably" replaced by "unexpectedly".

impressively simple

Emphasizes simplicity rather than humility, using "simple" instead of "modest" and "impressively" for "remarkably".

quite understated

Replaces "remarkably modest" with the adjective "understated" which focuses on the quality of not being extravagant.

particularly low-key

Shifts the emphasis to a relaxed or subtle demeanor, substituting "modest" with "low-key" and "remarkably" with "particularly".

admirable in its simplicity

Highlights the positive attribute of simplicity, with a slightly more descriptive structure.

surprisingly conservative

Shifts the focus to a cautious or traditional approach, where "conservative" replaces "modest" and is qualified by "surprisingly".

FAQs

How can I use "remarkably modest" in a sentence?

You can use "remarkably modest" to describe someone's behavior or a situation that exhibits unexpected humility or simplicity. For example, "Despite her numerous awards, she remained "remarkably modest" about her achievements."

What are some alternatives to saying "remarkably modest"?

Alternatives include "surprisingly humble", "exceptionally unassuming", or "strikingly unpretentious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "remarkably modest" in formal writing?

Yes, "remarkably modest" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure it aligns with the tone and context of your writing, as it implies a level of surprise or appreciation.

What's the difference between "remarkably modest" and "very modest"?

"Remarkably modest" suggests a higher degree of unexpected humility compared to "very modest". The former implies that the modesty is noteworthy or surprising, while the latter simply indicates a significant level of modesty.