a decent proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an offer or suggestion that is reasonable or acceptable in a given context. Example: "After reviewing the options, I believe that a decent proposal would be to increase the budget for the project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Here, if you knock on the right door with a decent proposal, it will happen.

The Guardian

"We have to submit a proposal to the Palestinians, a decent proposal, a fair proposal," said Amos Yadlin, a former chief of military intelligence who is now director of the Institute for National Security Studies in Israel.

The New York Times

Poles alone make up 10% of London's homeless.In this section The British at table A decent proposal Pride and prejudice Hold your breath No hot ashes Default Cameron The spike Lock and quay Channel vision A passage to Mayfair ReprintsYet a good deal of the increase is a statistical quirk.

The Economist

Few have written about the interplay between money and love as shrewdly as Austen, and none more entertainingly.In this section The British at table A decent proposal Pride and prejudice Hold your breath No hot ashes Default Cameron The spike Lock and quay Channel vision A passage to Mayfair Reprints Related topics Jane Austen.

The Economist

There will be no election-winning stimulus.In this section The British at table A decent proposal Pride and prejudice Hold your breath No hot ashes Default Cameron The spike Lock and quay Channel vision A passage to Mayfair ReprintsYet loose monetary policy is finally starting to work.

The Economist

Most inhibiting of all, the locks at Liverpool, modelled on the Panama Canal, cannot accommodate the biggest ships.In this section The British at table A decent proposal Pride and prejudice Hold your breath No hot ashes Default Cameron The spike Lock and quay Channel vision A passage to Mayfair ReprintsPeel Ports, the owner of Liverpool's port, wants to change this.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Abbott has a few decent proposals of his own -- a so-called "direct action" program -- and plenty of other ways of confronting climate change can also make sense from a free market perspective.

Huffington Post

Now we have a decent budget proposal, but only in the context of these political pressures.

Huffington Post

Their very decent proposal was lost to South Africa's communication failures and poor public diplomacy.

The New York Times

Another coalition smart cookie is pensions minister Steve Webb, who last week put forward decent proposals to recast pensions in a manner that will advantage many.

The Guardian

Then there were decent proposals tainted by the faintest familiarity with what the coalition got up to, while polling day still seemed further away.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent proposal", ensure the context clarifies what makes the proposal "decent". Is it fair, reasonable, ethical, or financially sound? Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

While "a decent proposal" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "a well-reasoned plan" or "a comprehensive strategy" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent proposal" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "proposal". It describes the quality or nature of the proposal, indicating it is satisfactory or acceptable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent proposal" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes an offer or suggestion deemed reasonable and acceptable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, although its register is primarily neutral. Its primary function is to present an idea as worthy of consideration. When employing this phrase, it's beneficial to ensure the context clarifies the specific qualities that make the proposal "decent", such as fairness or ethical soundness. Alternatives like "a reasonable offer" or "a fair proposition" can be considered for specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable offer

Replaces "decent" with "reasonable", emphasizing the fairness and logic of the proposal.

an acceptable suggestion

Shifts from a formal "proposal" to a more informal "suggestion", while maintaining the sense of acceptability.

a fair proposition

Uses "fair" instead of "decent", highlighting the impartiality and justness of the idea.

a sound plan

Focuses on the practicality and reliability of the plan, rather than its moral qualities.

a worthwhile scheme

Emphasizes the value and benefit of the proposed arrangement or project.

a viable option

Highlights the feasibility and workability of the proposed choice or course of action.

a commendable approach

Focuses on the praiseworthy aspects of the method or strategy being suggested.

a solid concept

Stresses the robustness and well-founded nature of the underlying idea.

a practical suggestion

Emphasizes the usability and real-world applicability of the suggestion.

a sensible idea

Highlights the rationality and good judgment behind the presented thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent proposal" to describe an offer or plan that is reasonable and acceptable, such as, "The company presented "a decent proposal" to the union during negotiations.".

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

Alternatives include "a reasonable offer", "a fair proposition", or "a sound plan", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a decent proposal" formal or informal?

"A decent proposal" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in a variety of contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "a well-reasoned plan".

What makes a proposal "decent"?

A "decent" proposal typically implies that the offer or plan is fair, reasonable, and ethically sound. It suggests that the proposal is acceptable and worthy of consideration.