should be modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be modest" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone needs to be humble and not boastful about their accomplishments or abilities. For example, "Though she has achieved great success, she should be modest about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Thus the bill for redress should be modest.

The Guardian - Business

Yet expectations about this visit should be modest.

The New York Times

Guest fees should be modest, so I could entertain.

The New York Times

We suggest that any medium term impact on RDF should be modest".

The Guardian

So the cutbacks in this downturn, analysts say, should be modest — reassuring news for the economy.

The New York Times - Tech

Jewish tradition teaches men and women alike that they should be modest in their dress.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

And we should be humble and modest in our belief we can eliminate those things.

The New Yorker

My memorial stone should also be modest.

The Guardian - Opinion

At one point, Friedkin provocatively asked, "Do you think this is a work of art?" Hooper first asked, "Should I be modest?" before responding with a salty confirmation, "It's a... work of art".

Los Angeles Times

The public subsidy required should be relatively modest.

The Economist

Neither party has been able to solve this problem, so our expectations should be very modest.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting expectations, use "should be modest" to encourage a realistic and grounded outlook, preventing disappointment and fostering appreciation for even small successes.

Common error

Avoid using "should be modest" when the situation warrants a more assertive or optimistic projection. Misusing it can undermine confidence and create a false sense of limited possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be modest" primarily functions as a modal phrase expressing a recommendation or expectation of restraint or humility. Ludwig's AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of this phrase across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be modest" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that suggests restraint, humility, or reasonable limitation. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports and scientific papers to general discussions. While primarily functioning to set realistic expectations and discourage overconfidence, it's important to consider the context to avoid misapplication. Alternatives such as "ought to be humble" or "needs to be unassuming" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in tone or emphasis. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "should be modest" to convey the intended message with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be humble

Replaces "modest" with "humble", emphasizing a sense of low self-regard.

needs to be unassuming

Emphasizes a lack of pretension or arrogance.

should be understated

Focuses on minimizing the outward appearance or expression.

should be restrained

Highlights the act of holding back or controlling expression.

should be tempered

Suggests a need to moderate or reduce intensity.

needs to be kept low-key

Replaces the original phrase by conveying to not be overly extravagant or attracting too much attention.

should be limited

Indicates a restriction in scope or extent.

should remain simple

Replaces the original phrase and indicates the idea to be basic and uncomplicated.

should be kept in check

Indicates that something needs to be controlled.

should be conservative

Implies a cautious or restrained approach.

FAQs

How can I use "should be modest" in a sentence?

You can use "should be modest" to suggest that expectations need to be realistic. For example, "Given the economic climate, our growth forecasts "should be modest"".

What's a more formal alternative to "should be modest"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "ought to be humble" or "needs to be unassuming" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated tone.

When is it inappropriate to say "should be modest"?

It's inappropriate to use "should be modest" when genuine celebration or pride is warranted. In those cases, restraint may be perceived as disingenuous or even discouraging.

Is there a difference between "should be modest" and "should be minimal"?

Yes, "should be modest" refers to humility or restraint, while "should be minimal" implies reducing something to the smallest possible amount. They are not interchangeable.