a decent one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is satisfactory or acceptable in quality, often in comparison to others. Example: "After trying several restaurants, I finally found a decent one that serves great food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

If you can't think of a decent one on your own, then just use airport codes – KHT, NBO and so on.

The Guardian

If you need to find a decent one on your travels, then pop into beerintheevening.com which lists practically every public house in the land.

The Guardian - Travel

Oh, but then, from the last ball, Moeen turns a holding over into a decent one, up on his toes to time beautifully through extra cover.

The Guardian - Sport

Even if the best one is 30 minutes away, you'll be better off going to a decent one that's on your way home from work.

WikiHow

So it is only a proxy for total sharing on Google Reader, but a decent one.

TechCrunch

Well, not a decent one anyway.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

In related WoW news, if anyone is still on Anetheron, my level 45 character could use a decent one-handed sword (or two).

TechCrunch

Veteran screenwriter Brad Mirman can spin a decent one-liner ("I was done with killing, but she wasn't done with me") in the service of a cliche.

The Guardian - Film

Unfortunately, if Allen's ability to write a decent one-liner has endured into his 80s, his ability to deliver them has not.

The Guardian - Film

England, potentially, are a decent one-day side, though selection remains oddly chaotic compared with the settled nature of the Test team.

The Guardian - Sport

I liked detectives more than policemen; they were rebellious, followed their own instincts and always had a decent one-liner as well as a revolver to hand.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent one", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify what "one" refers to, especially when several options are available. For instance, instead of saying 'I need a decent one', say 'I need a decent car'.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent one" as a vague endorsement without specifying the criteria for decency. Saying 'That's a decent one' lacks impact unless the reader understands what makes it decent. Instead, highlight specific qualities: 'That's a decent one because of its fuel efficiency'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent one" functions as a noun phrase, where "decent" acts as an adjective modifying the pronoun "one". This construction is used to refer to a single item or entity that is considered satisfactory or acceptable. Ludwig AI suggests that it is a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent one" is a common and acceptable phrase used to denote something of satisfactory quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, with a neutral to informal register. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "a satisfactory option". Remember to ensure clarity by specifying what "one" refers to, and avoid overgeneralization by highlighting specific qualities that make it "a decent one".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an acceptable choice

Emphasizes the suitability or permissibility of the selection.

a satisfactory option

Highlights the fulfillment of requirements or expectations.

a reasonable selection

Focuses on the logical or justifiable nature of the pick.

a passable alternative

Suggests the option is sufficient but perhaps not ideal.

a tolerable solution

Implies the solution is acceptable despite potential drawbacks.

a fair compromise

Highlights the balance and equity achieved in the decision.

a respectable version

Indicates the quality is worthy of esteem or admiration.

an adequate substitute

Suggests it serves as a functional replacement, though possibly inferior.

a serviceable model

Implies it is functional and capable of performing its intended task.

a sufficient exemplar

Highlights that the model is enough to showcase certain characteristics

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent one" to refer to something of acceptable quality or standard within a given context. For example, "I was looking for a restaurant and finally found "a decent one" near the station".

What's the difference between "a decent one" and "a good one"?

"A decent one" implies a level of acceptability or adequacy, while "a good one" suggests a higher standard of quality or excellence. Use "a decent one" when something meets the minimum requirements and "a good one" when you want to emphasize superior quality.

What are some alternatives to using "a decent one"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an acceptable option", "a satisfactory choice", or "a reasonable selection" to replace "a decent one". These alternatives /s/an+acceptable+option, /s/a+satisfactory+choice and /s/a+reasonable+selection offer similar meanings while varying the nuance.

Is "a decent one" formal or informal?

"A decent one" is generally considered informal and suitable for everyday conversation. In more formal writing or professional settings, you might prefer alternatives like "an adequate solution" or "a satisfactory alternative", /s/an+adequate+solution or /s/a+satisfactory+alternative which convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.