a decent prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation, opportunity, or potential outcome that is considered satisfactory or promising. Example: "After reviewing the candidates, we believe that Sarah is a decent prospect for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I'm not sure," Baker writes, "that it makes sense for the M's to give up a decent prospect to go get him now.

The New York Times

The Palestinians need to have the freedom to move about and to have a decent prospect of providing for their families; the Israelis need to feel safe.

The New York Times

Cerium, age eight, weight 10-5 Looked a decent prospect three years ago when trained by Paul Nicholls but no recent evidence of ability.

The Guardian - Sport

Drafted by the Blue Jays out of the University of California, Riverside, in the fifth round of the 2007 draft, he was considered a decent prospect with good stuff, but not a can't-miss candidate.

The New York Times - Sports

He's a decent prospect, but the Indians have a hihger-profile second-base prospect in Jason Kipnis, so he's not that great a keeper, even for one unit in your league.

The New York Times

8.54pm GMT Somen Tchoyi, who once looked a decent prospect at WBA before being released last year and failing to impress during trials at Wolves and Birmingham, has pitched up in the Bundesliga, where Augsburg have just taken him on.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Gingrich, of course, has only won two states so far -- South Carolina and Georgia -- and he doesn't really have any decent prospects in the future to add to that total.

Huffington Post

In her mother's time, for a decent marriage prospect, young women were expected to know how to knit and cook.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, the Surrey couple who spent £25,000 on presents, while they may be a little freakish in the context of average figures from the Office for National Statistics, are an indication of the confidence felt among those who have a good job with decent prospects.

The Guardian - Business

A couple of halfway decent prospects came up, but Saldana has shared custody of two kids, and the hours would have run him into scheduling conflicts.

Los Angeles Times

I think that you should bite the bullet and make a career move based on one job offer, preferably to an area that offers decent prospects for your partner.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decent prospect" when you want to convey that something has a reasonably good chance of success or a positive outcome, but without implying exceptional promise. It suggests a balanced and realistic view of potential.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent prospect" when the situation warrants a stronger term. If the potential is truly outstanding, opt for phrases like "a significant opportunity" or "an exceptional candidate" to more accurately reflect the level of promise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent prospect" functions as a noun phrase, where "decent" is an adjective modifying the noun "prospect". It describes something or someone that presents a reasonably positive or promising outlook. Ludwig provides multiple examples from reliable sources illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decent prospect" is grammatically sound and functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe something or someone with reasonably good potential or a positive outlook. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage. While not exceptionally common, it appears frequently in news and media, conveying a neutral assessment rather than high excitement. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the level of potential, and consider alternatives like "a promising outlook" or "a favorable opportunity" for nuanced expression. Overall, "a decent prospect" serves as a balanced and practical term for describing moderate potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a promising outlook

Emphasizes the positive expectations associated with the future of something.

a favorable opportunity

Focuses on the advantageous nature of the possibility.

a hopeful possibility

Highlights the element of optimism and anticipation.

a solid potential

Stresses the strong underlying capacity for development or success.

a reasonable expectation

Indicates a balanced and justifiable anticipation of something.

a fair chance

Suggests an equal or unbiased opportunity for success.

a viable candidate

Implies suitability and fitness for a particular role or position.

a bright future

Focuses on the positive and successful trajectory that something may follow.

a worthy option

Conveys the idea that something is deserving of consideration.

a credible possibility

Highlights the believability and plausibility of something happening.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent prospect" to describe someone or something that has a reasonably good chance of success or a positive outcome. For example: "After reviewing the applications, she seemed like "a decent prospect" for the job."

What are some alternatives to "a decent prospect"?

Some alternatives to "a decent prospect" include "a promising outlook", "a favorable opportunity", or "a hopeful possibility", depending on the specific context.

Is "a decent prospect" a formal or informal phrase?

"A decent prospect" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly found in news articles, business reports, and everyday conversation.

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

"A decent prospect" suggests a reasonably good chance of success, while "a good prospect" implies a higher degree of promise and potential. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the level of optimism you want to convey.