The Bush administration's tax proposals do include a modest reduction in the marriage penalty.

"There does seem to be a modest reduction in tensions on both sides," a senior Administration official said.

Some Administration officials suggest they could accept a modest reduction.

It's a modest reduction, but it will have an impact on smaller and community schemes.

While some studies claim modest, relative reductions, others find no significant difference.

Eventually, Russia agreed to a modest reduction, though some oil industry analysts said even that was never really put into force.

Taking wheat bran seems to produce modest, but significant reductions in blood pressure.

And a modest reduction now will not end speculation about what might come later.

There is a more modest reduction for a loaf of bread at 4p off.

The Fed will hold to the modest reduction in interest rates brought about this week.