a decent building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent building" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a building that is satisfactory or acceptable in quality or condition. Example: "The city council approved the construction of a decent building to provide affordable housing for residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The truth is that there is hardly a decent building left in the Chechen capital on which the Russian tricolors can be raised".

The New York Times

Rockport, north of Boston, is losing its only parish, and the priest, the Rev. Ronald J. Gariboldi, said parishioners were stunned, because the church had steady attendance, no debt and a decent building.

The New York Times

As the science collection got too large and unruly, acquiring the Patent Museum and a library along the way, it was kicked out to fend for itself in the late 19th century, only gaining a decent building in 1928.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was in a small, decent building, three or four stories high, inexpensive rather than cheap-looking.

The New Yorker

Ms. Munro brings them to the glass-bricked entrance of a "small, decent building" in Kitsilano, but while they consummate their mad upsurge of passion in a borrowed flat, she cuts away to describe the setting Meriel would have preferred for adultery: "A narrow six- or seven-story hotel, once a fashionable place of residence, in the West End of Vancouver.

The New York Times - Travel

Being a decent, considered building in the modern tradition, it has a big glass wall.

The Guardian - Arts

The state has "only decent" building codes, he says, but the codes get enforced for new construction, which can lead to improvements in efficiency.

Science Magazine

Wanting really decent buildings is a good thing, but sometimes it meant the amount spent per school was very, very high.

The Guardian

You would think that the rare opportunity of having a single landowner for such a substantial swathe of the city might result in some architectural coherence, but the result is proving disappointing, the few decent buildings drowned out by a style parade of facets and swoops.

The Guardian - Arts

He outlined needs for students, including qualified teachers, decent buildings, suitable class sizes, basic supplies, modern textbooks and money for special needs.

The New York Times

Some of these dedicated wearables certainly have a decent crack at building thriving specialized social networks.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a decent building", ensure the context clarifies what makes the building 'decent'—is it size, location, or condition?

Common error

Avoid using "a decent building" when the structure is clearly exceptional; reserve it for structures that meet basic standards of acceptability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent building" functions as a noun phrase, where 'decent' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'building'. It describes a building that meets a minimum standard of acceptability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decent building" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a structure meeting a basic standard of acceptability, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase with 'decent' modifying 'building'. While its register is neutral, it commonly appears in news and media contexts. Alternatives include "a respectable building" or "an adequate building", depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what constitutes 'decent' in the building's description. It's a useful phrase for conveying that a building is satisfactory without being particularly outstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a respectable building

This alternative emphasizes the building's social standing and positive reputation, rather than just its adequacy.

a satisfactory building

This alternative focuses on the building meeting the minimum requirements or expectations.

an acceptable building

Focuses on the idea that the building is permissible or satisfactory under certain criteria.

an adequate building

This term suggests the building is sufficient for its purpose, though perhaps not exceptional.

a suitable building

This highlights the building's appropriateness for a specific use or function.

a presentable building

This suggests the building is in good enough condition to be shown or viewed without embarrassment.

a fair building

This option implies a building of average or moderate quality.

a reasonable building

Similar to 'adequate', this suggests the building meets basic needs without being luxurious.

a passable building

This implies the building barely meets the necessary standards.

a tolerable building

Suggests the building is just good enough to be endured, possibly implying some negative aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent building" to describe a structure that is adequate or satisfactory. For instance, "The organization sought "a decent building" to house its new headquarters".

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

Alternatives include "a respectable building", "a satisfactory building", or "an adequate building" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

"A good building" generally implies higher quality or desirability, while "a decent building" suggests it meets basic acceptable standards. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a decent building"?

Use "a decent building" when you want to convey that a structure is satisfactory without necessarily being outstanding. It suggests an acceptable level of quality or condition.