a decent performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent performance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a level of performance that is satisfactory or acceptable, but not exceptional. Example: "The actor delivered a decent performance, capturing the essence of the character without overshadowing the main lead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a difficult market she has turned in a decent performance (2.2% a year)–after costs that can best be described as indecent.

Forbes

"But it was a decent performance, I've got no problem with the way we performed".

BBC

Dickinson has since denied the accusations that he was deliberately under-performing, arguing that it was impossible to give a decent performance some nights because of the atmosphere.

Wikipedia

"It was a decent performance today, not a great performance.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a decent performance, rather than a great one.

The Guardian

I'm satisfied they put a decent performance in.

The Guardian - Sport

A decent performance without ever really getting going.

The New York Times

Mr. Krajcik wasn't the only contestant to give a decent performance.

The New York Times

The evening ended with Brahms's Second Serenade in a decent performance.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think that was a decent performance today," says John Goldstein.

The Guardian - Sport

A decent performance in the League Cup? Rovers were beaten 6-1 by Oxford.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating accomplishments, use "a decent performance" to acknowledge effort without overstating success. This is particularly useful in providing constructive feedback or setting realistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent performance" when describing truly outstanding achievements. It can diminish the impact of exceptional work. Instead, opt for stronger adjectives like "excellent", "remarkable" or "outstanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent performance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "performance". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing the quality of an action or event. Ludwig provides many examples where the phrase is used to evaluate actions or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent performance" describes an action or event that is satisfactory but not exceptional. It is a commonly used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, appearing frequently in news and media sources. While grammatically correct, its use should be carefully considered, as it can understate truly outstanding achievements. Alternatives like "a satisfactory showing" or "an adequate effort" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember, "a decent performance" sets a bar of acceptability, but not necessarily one of excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a satisfactory showing

Replaces 'performance' with 'showing' implying a visual demonstration or display; maintains the sense of being adequate.

an adequate effort

Substitutes 'performance' with 'effort', focusing on the exertion of energy rather than the result; the level of adequacy remains.

a passable display

Uses 'display' instead of 'performance', suggesting a more visible presentation; 'passable' means just good enough.

a reasonable attempt

Replaces 'performance' with 'attempt', highlighting the act of trying; 'reasonable' suggests a level of acceptability.

an acceptable result

Changes 'performance' to 'result', concentrating on the outcome; 'acceptable' indicates a level of satisfaction.

a competent execution

Emphasizes the skill in carrying out the task; 'competent' suggests the performer has the required ability.

a fair job

Uses a simpler and more informal term 'job'; 'fair' suggests adequate quality.

a tolerable showing

Similar to 'satisfactory showing' but might imply a lower level of expectation that was nevertheless met.

a creditable effort

Highlights that the effort is worthy of praise or recognition; slightly elevates the sense of adequacy.

a workmanlike job

Suggests the job was done practically and efficiently, without flair but adequately.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent performance" to describe something that is satisfactory or acceptable but not exceptional. For example, "The team put in "a decent performance" despite the difficult conditions."

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

You can use alternatives like "a satisfactory showing", "an adequate effort", or "a passable display" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a decent performance" or "a good performance"?

"A good performance" suggests a higher level of achievement than ""a decent performance"". Use "a decent performance" when the result is acceptable but not outstanding.

What is the difference between "a decent performance" and "an excellent performance"?

"A decent performance" implies a satisfactory level, meeting expectations without exceeding them, whereas "an excellent performance" indicates a very high level of achievement, surpassing expectations significantly.