a decent case for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent case for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when presenting an argument or justification for a particular point of view or action. Example: "There is a decent case for implementing renewable energy sources to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

There is a decent case for it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The plaintiffs made a decent case for a systemic problem.

The New York Times

Alan Shearer (Newcastle United) - Striker A few strikers have a decent case for playing alongside Henry.

The Guardian - Sport

Opener "Future Starts Slow" makes a decent case for sludgy guitars, sultry vocals and straightforward song structure.

The Guardian - Music

It is to the producer Yoshi Oïda's credit that he makes a decent case for performing "The Pilgrim's Progress" in an opera house rather than a church.

The New York Times - Arts

Say it quietly, but there's a decent case for Venice being called the "grande Piran" as almost 70% of the city is moulded from Istrian limestone and marble.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But there's a decent case to be made for the involvement of Kim Jong-un's troops, given the dictator's steadily growing beef with the new James Franco Seth Rogen buddy assassination drama, The Interview. .

Vice

For now, Nexmo is leaving a trail of information behind it that might make for a decent case study when all is said and done.

TechCrunch

Despite some lapses into rock-critic-speak and the unauthorized biographer's curse of leaning on too many secondary ­sources, Goodman makes a decent case — to this skeptical reader, anyway — for Cat Power's musical significance.

The New York Times - Books

There's a simple solution: a decent case.

The Guardian - Money

Female foeticide remains prevalent, reflecting a cultural preference for boys.The government might also welcome a wider debate because it has a decent case to make.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decent case for" when you want to present an argument or justification that is reasonably sound and acceptable, but not necessarily the strongest or most convincing.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent case for" when you intend to convey a particularly strong or compelling argument. Opt for phrases like "a compelling case for" or "an undeniable argument for" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent case for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an argument or justification. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and commonly used, indicating its grammatical validity and widespread acceptance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decent case for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce a reasonably sound argument or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent appearance in news, science, and business contexts demonstrates its versatility. While not conveying the strongest possible endorsement, it indicates an acceptable rationale. When writing, it's essential to consider the strength of your argument and choose more compelling language if needed. Alternatives such as "a reasonable argument for" or "a solid justification for" provide similar but slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable argument for

Replaces "decent" with "reasonable", suggesting a logical basis for the argument.

a solid justification for

Emphasizes the strength and validity of the reasoning.

a plausible rationale for

Focuses on the believability and coherence of the explanation.

a sound basis for

Highlights the strong foundation supporting the idea.

a legitimate reason for

Indicates the validity and acceptability of the reasoning.

a compelling argument in favor of

Uses stronger language to convey the persuasiveness of the case.

a persuasive defense of

Highlights the act of defending or supporting something with compelling reasoning.

a defensible position on

Focuses on the ability to justify and maintain a particular stance.

an adequate explanation for

Suggests that the rationale is satisfactory, though not necessarily exceptional.

a tenable claim regarding

Implies that the assertion is supportable and can withstand scrutiny.

FAQs

What does "a decent case for" mean?

The phrase "a decent case for" means that there is a reasonably good or acceptable argument or justification for something.

How can I use "a decent case for" in a sentence?

You can use it when presenting an argument that is not the strongest possible, but still reasonably sound. For example: "There's "a decent case for" investing in renewable energy."

What are some alternatives to "a decent case for"?

Alternatives include "a reasonable argument for", "a solid justification for", or "a plausible rationale for". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a decent case for" and "a compelling case for"?

Yes. "A decent case for" suggests the argument is adequate but not necessarily outstanding, whereas "a compelling case for" suggests a very strong and persuasive argument.