a decent method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent method" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a satisfactory or acceptable way of doing something. Example: "After considering various options, we decided that using a decent method for data analysis would yield the best results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

One, BitTorrent downloads are a decent method to determine a game's popularity among hardcore gamers.

TechCrunch

However, even though the sure independence screening seems to be a decent method indeed, and we have contented ourselves with using it for the marker preselection for the time being, there probably is room for improvement in this respect.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This prepared system was then subjected to energy minimization up to a maximum of 3000 steps using a steepest decent method or until a gradient threshold (25 kcal/mol/Å) was not reached.

BMC Cancer

The model used a FEM simulation and a steepest decent method to find the best values for both variables.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Using a steepest decent method, the heat load on the mirrors is successfully reduced to the acceptable level by flattening the RF power profile on the mirrors keeping the scattering of the RF power to a minimum from the mirrors.

Fusion Engineering and Design

The parameters for running both methods were set similar to [ 20], that is, with QUASI-P a gradient decent method was used for optimization (start step size 0.01, stopping condition epsilon 0.01).

GigaScience

When the solution is close to the correct one, the Gauss Newton method is applied to the training because it is more accurate and faster near an error minimum than the gradient decent method.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The ANN model was built on back propagation algorithm as for ANFIS model a combination of least squares method and back propagation gradient decent method were developed and applied.

Journal of Power Sources

Now the minimization of the Tikhonov functional is performed using the steepest decent method.

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

The functional (18) can be minimized for each fixed α by the steepest decent method.

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

Based on this mathematical model, the steepest decent method is used to search for the optimal process parameters.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research methodologies, use "a decent method" to indicate a satisfactory level of rigor without overstating its effectiveness. This provides a balanced and credible assessment of the approach taken.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent method" when the approach is demonstrably superior or innovative. Overuse diminishes the impact, so reserve it for cases where the method is simply adequate or acceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent method" functions as a noun phrase, where "decent" is an adjective modifying the noun "method". It indicates that the method in question is satisfactory or acceptable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent method" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that denotes a reasonably good or acceptable approach, but lacks exceptional qualities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related discussions. While its frequency is relatively rare, understanding its function and appropriate usage can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Consider alternatives like "a satisfactory approach" for increased formality or "an acceptable strategy" for broader application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a satisfactory approach

Replaces "decent" with "satisfactory", indicating that the method meets a minimum requirement.

a reasonable technique

Substitutes "method" with "technique" and "decent" with "reasonable", suggesting the method is logical and sound.

an acceptable strategy

Uses "acceptable" instead of "decent", implying the method is permissible or adequate.

a suitable way

Replaces "method" with "way" and "decent" with "suitable", indicating appropriateness for a specific purpose.

an adequate process

Substitutes "method" with "process" and "decent" with "adequate", suggesting the method is sufficient but not exceptional.

a fair tactic

Replaces "method" with "tactic" and "decent" with "fair", implying impartiality and justice.

a commendable practice

Substitutes "method" with "practice" and "decent" with "commendable", suggesting the method is praiseworthy and respectable.

a respectable system

Replaces "method" with "system" and "decent" with "respectable", highlighting the method's integrity and good standing.

a valid procedure

Replaces "method" with "procedure" and "decent" with "valid", indicating that the method is legitimate and sound.

a worthwhile approach

Replaces "method" with "approach" and "decent" with "worthwhile", conveying that the method is valuable and rewarding.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a decent method"?

Alternatives include "a satisfactory approach", "a reasonable technique", or "an acceptable strategy", depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a decent method" might sound informal in some contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "a suitable way" or "a valid procedure".

How does "a decent method" compare to "an excellent method"?

"A decent method" implies the method is adequate or satisfactory, whereas "an excellent method" suggests it is superior or outstanding. The choice depends on the degree of effectiveness you want to convey.

In what situations is "a decent method" most applicable?

Use "a decent method" when you want to describe a way of doing something that is reasonably good or acceptable, but not necessarily the best or most innovative approach.