a decent part

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent part" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or satisfactory portion of something, often in a context where you want to convey that it is enough or acceptable. Example: "A decent part of the budget was allocated to marketing efforts this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's a decent part of the social life.

The New York Times

It was a decent part of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

She wasn't going to get a decent part in "The Nutcracker".

The New Yorker

Mr. Abe devoted a decent part of his campaign to criticism of the Bank of Japan, the country's central bank.

The New York Times

It gave McCarthy a decent part as a heavy, characteristically playing an important supporting role – this time to Mickey Rooney.

The Guardian - Film

It was hard enough just being a colored woman — even a high-yellow one — trying to rent in a decent part of the city.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

When one of them becomes a movie mogul, he or she may throw me a halfway decent part".

Los Angeles Times

"We're seeing these actresses on television because there aren't any decent parts in the feature world for them," says Michael Schneider, television editor of Variety.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

McGregor said that Mark is his "first decent part" after appearing in bit roles in other Australian dramas, such as Underbelly.

Wikipedia

The Coral Like a jobbing actor who racks up half a decade's worth of decent parts but still gets remembered only as "that bloke from The Bill" by members of the public, The Coral have more great tunes than you might think.

The Guardian - Music

But this trick would never have worked without the help of some fine performers, most of whom seem to have sunk back into formulaic TV shows such as Fringe, Heroes and even Casualty since the programme finished, surely an indictment of the lack of decent parts in film and television for black actors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent part", ensure the context makes it clear what the 'whole' is that the part belongs to. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, "a decent part" can sound informal in academic or business writing. Opt for more precise language like "a significant portion" or "a considerable amount" to enhance the formality of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent part" primarily functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a substantial or acceptable portion of something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, further solidifying its role as a qualifier.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent part" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a significant or satisfactory portion of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers diverse examples from reputable sources. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of your writing and choose more precise language for academic or business contexts. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, allowing for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant portion

Emphasizes the size or importance of the portion.

a considerable share

Highlights the amount or allocation of something.

a fair amount

Indicates a reasonable or just quantity.

a respectable portion

Implies that the portion is worthy of esteem or recognition.

a notable segment

Suggests that the segment is worthy of attention.

a reasonable quantity

Focuses on the amount being adequate or justifiable.

a good fraction

Specifies the portion as a part of a whole.

a substantial segment

Highlights the segment being of considerable size or importance.

a tangible element

Implies the element is concrete and real.

a worthwhile component

Focuses on the value or benefit of the component.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent part" to indicate a significant or acceptable portion of something. For instance, "A decent part of the budget was allocated to marketing."

What are some alternatives to "a decent part"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant portion", "a fair amount", or "a considerable share" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "a decent part" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a decent part" may sound informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a substantial portion" or "a considerable amount" for academic or business writing.

What does "a decent part" imply about the size or importance of something?

"A decent part" implies that the portion is reasonably large or acceptable. It suggests that it's enough to be noteworthy or significant, but doesn't necessarily indicate the exact size.