a completely decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a completely decent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is entirely acceptable or satisfactory in a particular context. Example: "Despite the challenges, the event turned out to be a completely decent experience for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I give you the headline there!" The description of Gump by Robert Zemeckis, the film's director, as "a completely decent character [who] makes people laugh" could serve for Ranieri himself, who precedes his press conferences by shaking the hand of every journalist.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are a lot of twentysomething Brits making completely decent, completely incongruous music about an American life they probably haven't lived.

The Guardian - Music

American Apparel said the ads of young girls in T-shirts were "completely decent and a fair representation of their product".

The Guardian

Former Vice President Dan Quayle, who served alongside former President George H. W. Bush, called his old friend a "role model" and a "completely genuine, decent and honorable person". .

Huffington Post

She, many years later, remembered him as "such a nice person, a basically decent person, with something in him that kept him from being completely decent".

The New Yorker

None of us are completely decent, but for decades he brought to social intercourse the impatience of an incorrigible alcoholic, his inmost attention focussed on the next drink.

The New Yorker

"So when you get past the gotcha headlines, breathless reportage, and Inauguration Day, if Hillary Clinton is president it would be completely decent, honorable, and in keeping with the Senate's constitutional duty to vote against essentially every judicial nominee she names," he concluded.

Huffington Post

Far more important to Volvo's long-term growth will be a completely new version of the decent but not astounding S40 sedan and V40 wagon, and the introduction of both a small VW Golf-size hatch (likely due here in about 18-24 months) and a small crossover, probably called something like the XC50.

Forbes

As this visit is mostly outdoors, try to plan your visit to Kinderdijk on a day when the weather is decent -- a completely sunny day in the Netherlands is a rarity, so make sure you pack a raincoat even if the weather forecast doesn't predict rain!

Huffington Post

That was a decent move by United, and a completely accidental collision.

The Guardian - Sport

However, a frequently cited limitation of "decent work" and the Decent Work Agenda's discursive role across all three organizations was that it has remained too conceptual, that it is difficult to measure, that it lacks a robust evidence base (in particular economic evidence), and that it has yet to result in a completely coherent, comprehensive policy strategy.

Globalization and Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a completely decent", ensure the context clearly defines what standards or expectations are being met to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a completely decent salary" or "a completely decent performance".

Common error

Avoid using "a completely decent" without providing specific criteria or context. Saying "he's a completely decent person" is vague; specify what makes him decent (e.g., "he's honest, kind, and fair").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a completely decent" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a satisfactory or acceptable level of quality or character. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes something that is entirely acceptable or satisfactory.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a completely decent" is an adjectival phrase used to convey that something is entirely satisfactory or acceptable. While grammatically correct and present in authoritative sources like The Independent, The Guardian and Huffington Post, it's a relatively rare expression. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for neutral registers and functions to express approval, often in the context of news and media. When using the phrase, ensure the context makes it clear what standards are being fully met. Consider alternatives like "an entirely respectable" or "a fully acceptable" to vary your language. In conclusion, "a completely decent" is a valid, albeit uncommon, way to describe something as thoroughly good or satisfactory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an entirely respectable

Replaces "decent" with "respectable", emphasizing adherence to social standards and good reputation.

a fully acceptable

Substitutes "decent" with "acceptable", focusing on meeting a minimum standard or requirement.

a perfectly satisfactory

Uses "satisfactory" instead of "decent", highlighting the fulfillment of expectations or needs completely.

a thoroughly proper

Replaces "decent" with "proper", suggesting adherence to established rules, customs, or etiquette in every aspect.

an altogether suitable

Employs "suitable" instead of "decent", stressing appropriateness for a specific purpose or situation.

a wholly commendable

Swaps "decent" for "commendable", emphasizing praiseworthiness and deserving of recognition from start to finish.

an absolutely fine

Replaces "decent" with "fine", indicating that something is totally acceptable without any faults.

a genuinely good

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the goodness, swapping "decent" for "good".

a truly upright

Uses "upright" instead of "decent", focusing on moral and ethical integrity without exception.

a completely honest

Replaces "decent" with "honest", stressing the lack of deceit or fraud.

FAQs

How can I use "a completely decent" in a sentence?

You can use "a completely decent" to describe something that meets a standard of acceptability or goodness. For example, "The hotel offered "a completely decent breakfast"" or "He seemed like "a completely decent fellow"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a completely decent"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an entirely respectable", "a fully acceptable", or "a perfectly satisfactory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "completely" with "decent"?

While "decent" implies a satisfactory level, "completely decent" emphasizes that the standard is fully met without reservation. The redundancy is slight, but can strengthen the statement.

What's the difference between "a decent" and "a completely decent"?

"A decent" suggests something is adequate or passable, while "a completely decent" indicates a higher level of satisfaction, implying the thing is wholly good and meets or exceeds expectations. Similar to the difference between "good" and "very good".