a decent amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a decent amount of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something is reasonably large, but not excessive. For example, "I have a decent amount of supplies for my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Build in a decent amount of ease.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's a decent amount of space in the cabin, however.

Independent

Stocks are also paying out a decent amount of money.

The New York Times

Our Web site has a decent amount of information.

The New York Times

He takes a decent amount of shots and he's got a decent amount of power, so I think overall it's going to be a good fight for me".

The Guardian - Sport

"Consumer and business demand still has a decent amount of momentum behind it".

The New York Times

Yes, there's still a decent amount of time left before Election Day — but only in theory.

The New Yorker

"However, I was surprised to see a decent amount of rests forming part of the song.

Independent

Inside, the Corolla provides a decent amount of room for everyone.

Independent

But the federal government does have a decent amount of fat in it.

The New York Times

I am inevitably going to give her a decent amount of juice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, replace "a decent amount of" with more quantifiable terms if the context requires exact figures or measurements.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on vague quantifiers like "a decent amount of" in formal writing where specificity is valued. Providing concrete data enhances clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent amount of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity that is considered adequate or acceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

38%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent amount of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a quantity that is considered adequate or reasonable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, especially in news, media, and wiki sources. While it may be less precise than specific measurements, its generality makes it widely applicable. For more formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise quantifiers to enhance clarity. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, suitable for both professional and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable quantity of

Replaces "amount" with "quantity", implying a practical and justifiable measure.

a fair amount of

Substitutes "decent" with "fair", suggesting impartiality and adequacy.

a substantial quantity of

Emphasizes the largeness of the quantity, indicating it is considerable.

a considerable number of

Highlights the significance of the count, implying it is noteworthy.

an appreciable quantity of

Suggests that the quantity is noticeable and worthy of consideration.

a respectable measure of

Replaces "amount" with "measure", suggesting standard or unit.

a sufficient degree of

Shifts the focus to the degree or extent, rather than a simple quantity.

a goodly number of

Uses "goodly" to indicate a pleasing or satisfactory quantity.

a moderate sum of

Replaces "amount" with "sum", which is more appropriate for money

a healthy proportion of

Implies a beneficial and balanced ratio or quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a decent amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "a decent amount of" to describe something that is reasonably large or sufficient, such as, "I need "a decent amount of sleep" before the exam" or "The recipe calls for "a decent amount of sugar"".

What are some alternatives to "a decent amount of"?

Alternatives include "a fair amount of", "a reasonable amount of", or "a substantial amount of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a decent amount of" in formal writing?

While "a decent amount of" is generally acceptable, it can be considered informal. In formal writing, more precise language may be preferred, such as "a significant quantity of" or specifying the exact quantity if known.

What's the difference between "a decent amount of" and "a significant amount of"?

"A decent amount of" suggests something is adequate or reasonably sized, while "a significant amount of" implies a larger, more important quantity. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis needed.