a decent human being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent human being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is kind, ethical, and behaves in a morally acceptable manner. Example: "Despite the challenges he faced, he always tried to be a decent human being, helping others whenever he could."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm a decent human being.

The Guardian

"It's about being a decent human being.

The New York Times - Sports

I've always thought she was a decent human being.

Independent

"No, he said, that is a decent human being.

The Guardian

The importance of being a decent human being.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Clegg came across as a decent human being.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He's incredibly smart, funny and generous, and he's just a decent human being.

The New York Times

Most of the women who know Tim Hunt personally think he is a decent human being.

Independent

"She is a very skilled politician and a decent human being.

The New York Times

But let's be clear: it's not the blackness of N.B.A. players that imposes some unusual obligation on Sterling to be a decent human being.

The New Yorker

Kobe has become less annoying and more superb, and Derek Fisher is a shrewd veteran as well as a decent human being.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a decent human being" to positively characterize someone based on their actions and moral standing, especially in discussions about ethical behavior or social responsibility.

Common error

While "a decent human being" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "an ethical individual" or "a person of integrity" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent human being" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive to describe the qualities of a person. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage, and examples show it modifying nouns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decent human being" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone with positive moral qualities. Ludwig AI's analysis, backed by numerous real-world examples, confirms its widespread use, particularly in News & Media contexts. While it's suitable for general use, remember to adjust the formality based on your audience and context. Consider synonyms like ""a good person"" or ""an ethical person"" for nuanced expressions. Use it wisely to convey respect and appreciation for admirable character.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good person

Focuses on general goodness, slightly broader than "decent".

a moral individual

Emphasizes adherence to moral principles, more formal.

an ethical person

Highlights ethical behavior, suitable for formal contexts.

a kind soul

Emphasizes kindness and compassion, more emotional.

a person of integrity

Highlights honesty and strong moral principles, more formal.

a compassionate individual

Focuses on empathy and concern for others.

a principled person

Highlights adherence to principles, slightly more rigid.

a respectable person

Focuses on earning respect through behavior.

an upstanding citizen

Emphasizes civic responsibility and adherence to laws.

a person with good values

Highlights the positive values that guide the person's behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "a decent human being" in a sentence?

You can use "a decent human being" to describe someone who is kind, ethical, and treats others with respect. For example, "Despite his flaws, he strived to be "a decent human being"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a decent human being"?

Alternatives include "a good person", "a moral individual", or "an ethical person". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a decent human being" or "a good person"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""a decent human being"" often implies a stronger emphasis on ethical behavior and social responsibility, while ""a good person"" is more general.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a decent human being"?

The phrase ""a decent human being"" is suitable in various contexts, ranging from informal conversations to news articles, when describing someone who exhibits kindness, empathy, and ethical behavior. However, it may be too informal for academic or highly formal writing.