a decent proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reasonable or satisfactory amount of something in a given context. Example: "A decent proportion of the budget was allocated to marketing efforts this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Ouya's mission: to persuade a decent proportion of these people that they a).

The Guardian - Tech

Like a decent proportion of penalty kicks, it seems, they will be missed.

The Guardian - Sport

We sent a decent proportion to Oxbridge, and I was one of them.

Independent

Nevertheless, a decent proportion of comments left on our politics articles come from those sympathetic to Ukip.

The Guardian

The incestuous element derives from the fact a decent proportion of R&A members will also be attached to Muirfield.

The Guardian - Sport

This opens the prospect of Reckitt losing not only the cash payers for Suboxone, but also a decent proportion of those on insurance plans as well.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A third-generation art dealer, Ziegler closed his six-year-old Zurich gallery in March 2003, frustrated with having to pay rent for a space where he rarely spent much time and that, despite its decent proportions, failed to sate the sprawling ambitions of his artists.

Forbes

"Make sure that the extension works for the property and assess whether the extra rooms are going to be of decent proportions".

Independent

Tells about the dependence on the horse by the sparrow and how, with the automobile, the sparrow population went down to decent proportions.

The New Yorker

Non-black students, teachers and other staff are to be found in decent proportions, and such institutions have been actively recruiting increasing numbers of non-black students since the 1980s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ignoring MCODE, then COACH and DECAFF have both achieved decent proportions of their predicted complexes as significant.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decent proportion" when you want to convey that an amount is satisfactory or adequate, but not necessarily exceptional. It implies a level of acceptance or approval without strong enthusiasm.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent proportion" when you actually mean a large or significant proportion. "Decent" implies adequacy, not necessarily superiority or impressiveness. Overstating the quantity can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent proportion" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a quantity or share that is considered adequate or acceptable, as shown in Ludwig examples such as "a decent proportion of comments" or "a decent proportion of space". It specifies an amount that meets a satisfactory standard.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent proportion" is a phrase used to describe an amount or share that is considered adequate or satisfactory. According to Ludwig, it functions as a determiner phrase, primarily used in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to remember that "decent" implies adequacy, not necessarily excellence or a large quantity. Therefore, consider the specific context and your intended message when choosing this phrase. Using alternatives like "a fair share" or "a reasonable amount" may provide more precision. Overall, it's a useful phrase for conveying satisfaction without overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair share

This alternative suggests an equitable distribution, shifting the focus from simple adequacy to fairness.

a reasonable amount

This phrase replaces "decent" with "reasonable", emphasizing the logic and justification behind the quantity.

a considerable fraction

Using "considerable fraction" implies that the portion is large enough to be noteworthy, adding a degree of significance.

a substantial segment

This alternative highlights the portion as a significant piece of a larger whole.

a goodly portion

This substitutes both words with synonyms to communicate a similar idea. It is a slightly more formal option.

a respectable quantity

This phrase focuses on the amount being worthy of respect or approval, rather than just being adequate.

a significant percentage

This alternative is more quantifiable and specific, using the term "percentage" to denote the amount.

a sizable chunk

This alternative uses a more informal term, "chunk", to describe a relatively large portion.

a healthy slice

Using "healthy slice" emphasizes that the portion is beneficial or desirable, in addition to being adequate.

a fitting allotment

This suggests the portion is appropriately assigned or allocated, emphasizing suitability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent proportion" to describe a satisfactory or acceptable amount of something. For example, "A decent proportion of the donations went to local charities".

What are some alternatives to saying "a decent proportion"?

Alternatives include "a fair share", "a reasonable amount", or "a considerable fraction", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a decent proportion" or "a significant proportion"?

The choice depends on the context. "A decent proportion" implies adequacy or acceptability, while "a significant proportion" suggests a notably large or important amount. Use "a significant proportion" when you want to emphasize the size or impact of the amount.

What does "a decent proportion" imply about the amount being discussed?

It implies that the amount is satisfactory, acceptable, or adequate for the given purpose or situation. It suggests that the amount meets a certain standard of approval without necessarily being outstanding or exceptional.