a decent chunk of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent chunk of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant portion or amount of something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "We spent a decent chunk of our budget on marketing this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two hundred dollars is a decent chunk of change.

The New York Times

A decent chunk of the debate audience cheered, by the way.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's a decent chunk of us who just feel like YouTube is our home," says Bing.

The Guardian - Tech

All British life is here – or a decent chunk of it anyway.

The Guardian

Flying in the extra fuel costs a decent chunk of money, but not as much as cancelling more flights.

The Economist

I've spent a decent chunk of my life here, met my wife here, support A.S. Roma soccer here.

The New York Times - Travel

There is also still a decent chunk of people whose decisions are not swayed by financial incentives.

The Guardian

A decent chunk of every day would be like this, and would have been like this since primary school.

The Guardian - Books

"This is a sensible step, building on what works, extending it to a decent chunk of the most prolific offenders.

The Guardian

Existing football stadiums could be put to so many different uses to accommodate a decent chunk of the 26 sports.

The Guardian - Sport

By the time you've heard a decent chunk of the first movement, you may wish for inflated pathos.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent chunk of", ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what the chunk refers to. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "a decent chunk of" is acceptable in many contexts, it might be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "a significant portion of" or "a substantial amount of" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent chunk of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a significant but not precisely defined quantity. It serves to quantify something in a general, appreciable manner. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

19%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent chunk of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a notable portion or amount of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and appears most commonly in news and media, business, and academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly academic or formal writing situations. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing to avoid ambiguity regarding what the "chunk" refers to. The related phrases offer several ways to convey similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial portion of

Emphasizes the size or importance of the portion.

a significant amount of

Highlights the noteworthiness of the quantity.

a considerable part of

Indicates that the portion is worthy of attention.

a good proportion of

Suggests a balanced and reasonable share.

a sizable fraction of

Implies a noticeable division of the whole.

a fair amount of

Conveys a satisfactory quantity.

a notable quantity of

Draws attention to the amount's relevance.

a respectable quantity of

Highlights that the quantity is socially acceptable or appreciable.

a healthy segment of

Suggests a robust and positive share.

a reasonable share of

Implies that the portion is balanced and justified.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent chunk of" to indicate a sizable or noteworthy portion of something. For example, "A decent chunk of my salary goes towards rent."

What can I say instead of "a decent chunk of"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial portion of", "a significant amount of", or "a considerable part of" depending on the context.

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

While generally acceptable, "a decent chunk of" may be considered too informal for highly formal writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a significant portion of".

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

While similar, "a decent chunk of" often implies a larger or more noticeable portion than "a good amount of". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.