a decent means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an acceptable or satisfactory method or way of achieving something. Example: "Using public transportation is a decent means of reducing your carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Relentlessly firing lightning bolts at him is also a decent means of progressing the mission.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Jacob was always trying to strike a decent mean between affirmation of his secret faith that art had been going wrong since the eighteen-sixties and his desire not to get caught up in the reactionary grievance-keeping that disfigured much of the revivalist world he lived in.

The New Yorker

In fact, the Widget is a pretty decent means of trying the concept before you buy it.

TechCrunch

A decent education means liberalising our schools system so that more students can benefit from high standards and discipline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite our current two-month winless streak, a decent start means we still have a healthy points advantage over the bottom two.

The Guardian - Sport

Sadly a lack of anything approaching a decent story means the action can feel like a grind, especially when played offline.

The Guardian - Tech

To the average Venezuelan voter, access to the basics of a decent life means access to his or her little parcel of the petrostate pie, and supporting Chávez is the smart way to do that.

The New York Times

A decent home means having somewhere to feel safe and secure, somewhere warm and dry that improves health rather than compromising it, an environment where children can focus on learning to help them get on in the future.

The Guardian

Getting a decent shower means throwing on a bathrobe and walking down an asphalt road to a communal bathroom.

Los Angeles Times

Her research shows that training workers and paying them a decent wage means they're more likely to be knowledgeable about products, answer customers' questions and ultimately drive sales.

HuffPost

There are decent means to protect ourselves from dangerous people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer more precise synonyms if you need to be more explicit about efficiency, or the degree to acceptability.

Common error

While "a decent means" is generally acceptable, it can sound less formal than alternatives like "a viable solution" or "an effective strategy". Choose synonyms to better suit the tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent means" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a method or way of achieving something that is acceptable or satisfactory.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent means" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes an acceptable or reasonably effective method for achieving something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's suitable for various contexts, including news and general writing, but may be less formal than alternatives like "a viable solution" or "an effective strategy". While the phrase is broadly applicable, consider your audience and the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing between "a decent means" and its synonyms. Always aim for clarity and precision in your writing by selecting the most appropriate expression for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable method

Emphasizes the logic and rationality behind the method, suggesting it is well-thought-out.

a satisfactory approach

Focuses on the adequacy of the approach to meet the required standards.

an acceptable way

Highlights the permissibility and general agreement on the method's suitability.

a viable option

Stresses the practicality and feasibility of the choice.

a suitable alternative

Indicates that the method serves as a good substitute for another.

an adequate solution

Conveys that the method provides a sufficient resolution to a problem.

an effective strategy

Underlines the efficiency and success rate of the method in achieving its goals.

a practical measure

Focuses on the realism and applicability of the method in real-world scenarios.

a worthwhile course of action

Highlights the value and benefit gained from following the method.

a respectable avenue

Indicates that the method is considered honorable and socially acceptable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent means" to describe a method or approach that is reasonably good or effective. For example, "Using public transportation is "a decent means" of reducing your carbon footprint".

What are some alternatives to "a decent means"?

Some alternatives include "a reasonable method", "a satisfactory approach", or "an acceptable way", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a decent means" formal or informal?

The phrase "a decent means" is generally considered neutral in formality. However, in highly formal or academic writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated synonym like "a viable option" or "an effective strategy".

What's the difference between "a decent means" and "the best means"?

"A decent means" implies that the method is adequate or satisfactory, while "the best means" suggests that it's the most effective or optimal approach available. Choosing between them depends on whether you want to emphasize adequacy or superiority.