a decent face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial appearance in a neutral or positive way, often implying that the person is attractive or has a pleasant expression. Example: "Despite the rough exterior, he had a decent face that made him approachable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it appears that all Mr Brown required before a cave-in was a decent, face-saving interval.In this section Thriller!

The Economist

Yunior was fourteen and had an I.Q. that would have broken you in two but he would have traded it in for a halfway decent face in a second.

The New Yorker

On the face of it, a developer would have a decent case.

The New York Times

It's really hard to find decent face paint these days.

Vice

Rachel Springall at financial data provider Moneyfacts says: "It's shocking that some banks are slashing rates well above and beyond the base rate cut of 0.25%, and it leaves savers who are hoping for a decent return to face a brick wall of disappointment".

The Guardian - Money

Christian learning to be a decent man by facing the dangers and temptations of the world was a pretty good lesson for a would-be writer.

The Guardian - Books

Newcastle's manager was similarly relieved that the kick on the thigh which forced Papiss Cissé's withdrawal did not do serious damage, leaving the striker with a decent chance of facing Southampton.

The Guardian - Sport

For the middle-of-the-pack teams, like Charlotte and Fordham, the plan was to face a decent if not overwhelming schedule.

The New York Times - Sports

I went to the funeral and I looked in the casket and saw him laying there in a suit, with a decent haircut and his face all washed — and looking like a little old man.

The New Yorker

Under ideal conditions, most systems do a decent job of recognizing faces.

The New York Times - Tech

Truly, the President, a decent family man, was faced with a Sophie's Choice.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's appearance, use "a decent face" to convey a sense of respectability or average attractiveness, avoiding overly critical or effusive language.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "a decent face" in highly formal or professional writing where more precise and descriptive language would be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent face" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "decent" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "face". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent face" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing someone's appearance in a generally positive or neutral manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's not overly formal, it maintains a level of respectability, making it suitable for various contexts, including news articles and general writing. However, given the limited number of occurrences, alternative phrases like "a presentable appearance" might be considered for greater precision or formality. The contexts of usage are distributed across News & Media, Wiki and Science. The register is mostly neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a presentable appearance

Focuses on the overall appearance being suitable or acceptable.

an attractive countenance

Highlights the attractiveness of the facial expression.

a fair visage

Emphasizes the fairness and pleasantness of the face.

a respectable facade

Implies a face that is worthy of respect or admiration.

a pleasing aspect

Focuses on the agreeable or enjoyable nature of the face.

an acceptable look

Indicates that the appearance meets a certain standard of acceptability.

a tolerable visage

Suggests that the face is bearable or endurable, though not necessarily attractive.

a passable face

Highlights that the face is just good enough.

a handsome face

Specifically refers to a male face that is considered attractive.

a pretty face

Specifically refers to a female face that is considered attractive.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent face" to describe someone's appearance in a neutral to positive way. For example: "Despite his rough exterior, he had "a decent face" that made him approachable."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a presentable appearance", "an attractive countenance", or "a fair visage".

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

While grammatically correct, "a decent face" might be too informal for highly formal writing. Consider using more descriptive and precise language to convey the intended meaning.

What does "a decent face" imply about a person's appearance?

"A decent face" suggests that someone's appearance is generally acceptable or pleasant, without necessarily implying exceptional beauty or attractiveness. It conveys a sense of normalcy or respectability.