some modicum of

USAGE SUMMARY

"some modicum of" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to refer to a small amount of something, or a minimum level of something. For example: "Even with his limited resources, he was able to provide some modicum of comfort to his family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, a Web site offers some modicum of revenge.

The New York Times

"For once the University acted with some modicum of maturity.

The New Yorker

"Only longevity earned us some modicum of respect.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not real satire, which requires some modicum of wit.

The Guardian - Books

The former operate with some modicum of control, but in the latter, "prison law" dominates.

The New York Times

Or, finally, he may choose to claim some modicum of sexual happiness for himself.

The New Yorker

Mile splits swelled to close to five minutes, and some modicum of orthodoxy seemed to return.

The New York Times - Sports

Try to find one element in that story that doesn't bring you some modicum of amusement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some modicum of collegiality is required in the Senate to get business done.

The Guardian

The officials' objective is to maintain some modicum of competition in the airline industry and — perhaps — promote even more.

The New York Times

As a rule, people are willing to take entrepreneurial risk when they have some modicum of financial security.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some modicum of" when you want to convey that there is only a small or limited amount of something, often implying that it is barely sufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "some modicum of" in highly informal or casual writing. Simpler phrases like "a little" or "a bit" are often more appropriate for these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some modicum of" functions as a determiner phrase quantifying a noun. It modifies the noun by indicating that only a small or limited amount of it exists. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some modicum of" is a useful phrase for expressing a small or limited degree of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in various sources, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register, making it less suitable for highly informal contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of its subtle implication that the amount is barely sufficient. Remember that alternatives like "a degree of" or "a small amount of" can be used for similar meanings, adjusting the nuance as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount of

A more direct and simpler way to express a limited quantity.

a degree of

Replaces "modicum" with a more general term for amount, suitable for various contexts.

a minimum level of

Focuses on meeting a basic requirement or threshold.

a little bit of

An informal way to describe a small quantity.

a touch of

Suggests a slight or subtle presence, implying a smaller quantity than "modicum".

a hint of

Similar to "a touch of", but emphasizes a less obvious or noticeable quantity.

a certain level of

Similar to "a minimum level of", but does not necessarily mean the level is low.

a trace of

Suggests a very small and often barely detectable amount.

some semblance of

Indicates an outward appearance or imitation, rather than a genuine amount.

a shadow of

Indicates a weak or diminished presence, evoking a sense of something past its prime.

FAQs

How to use "some modicum of" in a sentence?

Use "some modicum of" to indicate a small or limited degree of something. For example, "Even in defeat, they managed to salvage "some modicum of" pride".

What can I say instead of "some modicum of"?

You can use alternatives like "a degree of", "a small amount of", or "a hint of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "some modicum of" or "a modicum of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "some modicum of" is generally used to emphasize the small quantity or degree, whereas "a modicum of" simply indicates a limited amount.

Is "some modicum of" formal or informal?

"Some modicum of" is considered a relatively formal phrase and is more commonly used in academic, news, or professional writing than in casual conversation.