very modest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very modest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is humble or does not boast about their achievements or qualities. Example: "Despite her numerous awards and accolades, she remains very modest about her accomplishments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He was very modest.

Independent

"He's very modest.

The New York Times - Sports

She is very modest.

The Guardian

"I was very modest".

The New York Times

She's being very modest.

The Guardian - Sport

I asked for a very modest £700.

Independent

Not surprisingly, foreign investment was very modest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Our goals are very modest.

The New York Times

Expectations are generally positive, but very modest.

The New York Times

"Don's very modest," Mr. Robinson said.

The New York Times

Most are very modest users.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's character, use "very modest" to emphasize their humility and lack of boastfulness, especially in situations where they have achieved significant success. This highlights their grounded nature and can create a more positive impression.

Common error

Avoid using "very modest" when describing someone in a context where assertiveness is required. While modesty is a virtue, in certain professional settings, it can be misinterpreted as a lack of confidence or competence. Consider using more assertive language if the situation demands it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very modest" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It intensifies the adjective 'modest', emphasizing the degree of humility or lack of boastfulness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very modest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It primarily functions to describe humility and a lack of pretension, commonly appearing in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to use it appropriately, avoiding settings where assertiveness is more valued. When aiming for semantic variation, consider alternatives like "quite unassuming" or "extremely humble" to refine your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite unassuming

Emphasizes a lack of pretension or arrogance, focusing on a person's outward behavior.

extremely humble

Highlights a deep sense of humility and lack of pride.

really understated

Suggests a deliberate downplaying of one's abilities or achievements.

remarkably unpretentious

Focuses on the absence of affectation or artificiality in one's manner.

genuinely self-effacing

Highlights a tendency to avoid drawing attention to oneself.

not showy at all

Indicates a complete lack of ostentation or flamboyance.

of small account

Indicates something considered unimportant.

of minor importance

Indicates something that has low importance.

relatively trivial

Indicates that something is a minor issue.

rather insignificant

Indicates that something lacks significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "very modest" to describe someone who doesn't boast about their achievements. For example: "Despite winning the award, she remained "very modest"."

What are some alternatives to saying "very modest"?

Alternatives include "extremely humble", "quite unassuming", or "remarkably unpretentious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be "very modest" or "extremely confident"?

Neither is inherently better; it depends on the situation. Being "very modest" is valued in some cultures and contexts, while confidence is crucial in professional settings. Balance is key.

What does it mean when someone is described as "very modest"?

It typically means they are humble, self-effacing, and don't like to draw attention to their own accomplishments. They tend to downplay their abilities and achievements.