a decent argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the quality or validity of a point being made in a debate or discussion. Example: "While I disagree with his conclusion, I must admit that he presented a decent argument for his position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

There is a decent argument that the president should have refused this deal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Combined, they do, however, make a decent argument for the legalization of pot.

The New York Times - Books

Officials make a decent argument for concentrating on a new central circulating library instead.

The New York Times - Arts

This surely is the sensible debate to have and you can make a decent argument either way.

Independent

Some experts say you can make a decent argument for new cars based on some recent safety improvements.

The New York Times

But the I.F.P.I.'s report, along with other data and analysis, make a decent argument that the bleeding has at least been stanched.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But he suggested Cameron risked turning a decent debate into an acrimonious argument.

The Guardian

"We may end up turning a decent debate into a bitter argument.

The Guardian

Sure, the move could theoretically stymie user-base growth, but about 90percentt of Toutpost's current users have already connected that way so there's a decent enough argument for it.

TechCrunch

With Jake Arrieta's latest no-hitter leading a staff that already has 16 quality starts in 20 games, and a team that is crushing opponents to such an extent that their run differential is +69, leaving Joe Maddon no choice but to break out closer Hector Rondon in blowouts just to get him some work, you'd have a pretty decent argument that it's the Cubbies.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm trying to think of a decent counter argument.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand why the argument is 'decent'—what makes it worthy of consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent argument" when the point is actually very strong or groundbreaking; choose a more powerful descriptor like "a compelling argument" or "an undeniable argument" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent argument" functions as a noun phrase, where "decent" modifies the noun "argument". It typically serves to characterize the quality of an argument, suggesting it is reasonably good, acceptable, or worthy of consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decent argument" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an argument that is reasonably persuasive or worthy of consideration. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to acknowledge the validity of a point. While not the strongest endorsement, using "a decent argument" signals respect for the opposing viewpoint. Alternatives include "a reasonable argument" or "a sound argument", offering similar nuances depending on the specific context. Avoid using the phrase when a stronger term is warranted or when the argument is exceptionally weak.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable argument

Replaces "decent" with "reasonable", suggesting a fair and logical point.

a sound argument

Substitutes "decent" with "sound", indicating a well-founded and valid point.

a valid argument

Uses "valid" instead of "decent", focusing on the logical correctness of the argument.

a plausible argument

Replaces "decent" with "plausible", emphasizing the believability of the argument.

a convincing argument

Substitutes "decent" with "convincing", highlighting the persuasive power of the argument.

a strong argument

Uses "strong" instead of "decent", denoting the robustness and effectiveness of the argument.

a compelling argument

Replaces "decent" with "compelling", suggesting an argument that is difficult to refute.

a respectable argument

Substitutes "decent" with "respectable", implying that the argument is worthy of consideration.

a substantive argument

Uses "substantive" instead of "decent", focusing on the argument having real importance or value.

a worthy argument

Replaces "decent" with "worthy", suggesting the argument merits attention and respect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent argument" to describe a point that is reasonably persuasive or worthy of consideration, such as: "While I disagree with his conclusion, he presented "a decent argument" for his position."

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

You can use alternatives like "a reasonable argument", "a sound argument", or "a valid argument" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a decent argument" or "a good argument"?

"A decent argument" implies that the argument is adequate and worthy of consideration, while "a good argument" suggests it's of high quality and quite persuasive. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a decent argument"?

It might be inappropriate if you are trying to express strong agreement or high praise for an argument. In such cases, stronger terms like "a compelling argument" or "an undeniable argument" would be more suitable.