a decent meal

USAGE SUMMARY

'a decent meal' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a meal that is not extraordinary, but is satisfactory. For example, "After a long work day, I'm looking forward to a decent meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Can't we get a decent meal?" Mr. Adjmi ("Elective Affinities," "3C") has obviously studied the history.

The New York Times

Finding a decent meal has certainly gotten easier.

The New York Times - Travel

In Italy they know how to serve a decent meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A decent meal and a drink afterward were not the worst way to go.

The New Yorker

I'm a nurse; I want to know that all my patients get a decent meal.

The New York Times

Finally, we are a nation that can't get a decent meal on the table before 9.30pm.

Independent

Finding a good, or even a decent meal is more of an adventure.

The New Yorker

But there was no place to get a decent meal or buy a drink.

The New York Times

Came right up to me and said, "You look like you could use a decent meal.

The New Yorker

As things turned out, we are facing, if not a feast, at least a decent meal.

The New Yorker

"All I want is a decent meal on the table when I get home," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decent meal" when you want to convey that a meal is adequate and meets basic expectations, without necessarily being exceptional.

Common error

Avoid using "decent" if you want to describe a meal that is particularly delicious, impressive, or elaborate. In such cases, adjectives like "delicious", "exquisite", or "lavish" would be more fitting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent meal" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, indicating its role in everyday language to describe a meal of acceptable quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decent meal" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a meal that meets basic expectations for quality and satisfaction. According to Ludwig, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. Its widespread usage in news media, as well as formal and business contexts, indicates its versatility and neutral tone. While not denoting exceptional culinary experiences, it effectively communicates adequacy and is valuable in various communicative settings. The related phrases offer subtle nuances to express similar concepts, and being mindful of the context ensures precise language use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a satisfactory meal

Focuses on the meal meeting a minimum level of acceptability.

a reasonable meal

Emphasizes the meal being fair or appropriate for the situation.

a fulfilling meal

Highlights the meal's ability to satisfy hunger and provide contentment.

a substantial meal

Indicates the meal is large and filling.

a proper meal

Suggests the meal is complete and follows expected norms.

a respectable meal

Implies the meal is of a good enough quality to be considered worthy.

a nourishing meal

Focuses on the health benefits and nutritional value of the meal.

a passable meal

Indicates the meal is just acceptable, with little emphasis on quality.

a square meal

An idiomatic way of saying a complete and satisfying meal.

a wholesome meal

Highlights the meal's healthiness and purity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent meal" to describe a meal that is satisfactory or adequate, such as, "After a long day of hiking, all I wanted was "a decent meal" and a good night's sleep."

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

You can use alternatives like "a satisfactory meal", "a reasonable meal", or "a fulfilling meal" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a decent meal" or "a good meal"?

Both ""a decent meal"" and "a good meal" are correct. "A decent meal" implies the meal is satisfactory, while "a good meal" suggests it is enjoyable and of high quality. The choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a decent meal" and "a square meal"?

"A decent meal" simply means a satisfactory meal. "A square meal" is an idiom that means a substantial, satisfying, and nutritionally balanced meal.