a decent mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a reasonable, fair, or moral way of thinking. Example: "In discussions about ethics, it's important to engage with a decent mind to understand different perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Down to 14, Northampton dispensed with the frills and went back to basics in the way that wins big matches, especially Test matches, and that maturity would probably have impressed Lancaster more and also given a decent mind-set for Saturday when Northampton should qualify for a home draw.

The Guardian - Sport

My daughter will be entering ninth grade in the fall, and I, along with most of her classmates and their parents, have been on a monthlong search for a decent, never mind perfect, public high school.

The New York Times

But while the UK remains awash with astonishing talent both in front of and behind the camera, and while we continue to enjoy a patrimony that comprises a treasure chest of stories we can plunder, the fact remains that over the past thirty years it has become almost impossible to make even a decent living – never mind build a business or a career – in the British film industry.

The Guardian

A decent man.

The Economist

He was a decent man.

The New York Times

Walt is a decent man.

The New York Times

"He is a decent man.

The New York Times

Rangel is a decent man..

The New York Times

And my friend would really like to find any baseball cap, never mind a decent one, so that my friend doesn't get sunstroke.

The Guardian - Sport

If you get a decent image in your mind, you can go out and execute it like Monkey with a Gun.

Vice

It also included a decent script from the mind of Philip LaZebnick ( he also wrote the screenplays for Pocahontas and Mulan) and was directed by Brenda Chapman, the first woman to direct a feature-length Pixar film Brave.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a decent mind", ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to someone's capacity for fair, logical, or ethical thought. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific examples of this quality.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent mind" as a generic compliment. Instead, specify what makes the mind 'decent' – is it the person's fairness, rationality, or ethical considerations?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent mind" functions as a noun phrase, where 'decent' modifies 'mind', describing a quality of intellect or reasoning. Despite the lack of direct examples in Ludwig, the construction is grammatically sound and understandable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decent mind" describes someone with fair, logical, or ethical thinking. Though direct examples are missing, Ludwig AI validates the phrase's grammatical correctness. Alternative expressions include "a reasonable intellect" or "a sound mind". Ensure clarity by specifying what makes the mind 'decent' in your writing. Though infrequent in usage, the phrase is neutrally registered and easily understood in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable intellect

Replaces 'decent' with 'reasonable', implying a focus on logic and sound judgment.

a fair intellect

Substitutes 'decent' with 'fair', emphasizing impartiality and objectivity in thinking.

a sound mind

Uses 'sound' instead of 'decent', highlighting mental stability and clarity.

a rational mind

Replaces 'decent' with 'rational', focusing on logical thinking and the absence of emotional bias.

a balanced intellect

Emphasizes equilibrium and well-roundedness in intellectual capabilities.

a discerning intellect

Highlights the ability to make fine distinctions and judgments.

an ethical mind

Focuses on moral considerations and principles in thinking.

an honest intellect

Stresses integrity and truthfulness in intellectual pursuits.

a thoughtful intellect

Highlights careful consideration and reflection in thinking processes.

a considerate mind

Emphasizes empathy and awareness of others in thinking.

FAQs

What does "a decent mind" mean?

The phrase "a decent mind" refers to someone who possesses a reasonable, fair, and ethical way of thinking. It suggests a capacity for sound judgment and moral consideration.

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

You might say, "It's important to approach discussions with "a decent mind", open to understanding different perspectives" or "The judge was known for having "a decent mind", ensuring fair trials."

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

Alternatives include "a reasonable intellect", "a fair intellect", or "a sound mind", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "a decent mind" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "a decent mind" is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more precise alternatives might be preferred in highly formal writing.