a decent rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a fair or reasonable price, speed, or level of something, often in a financial or performance context. Example: "The service was excellent, and the company charged a decent rate for their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The $12 billion gum market is growing by 3% a year, a decent rate for food; but within that total, sales of sugarless gum are rising by 15% a year.

The Economist

"At a decent rate," Mr. Marcotte added.

The New York Times

On the one hand, the economy is still chugging along at a decent rate.

The New Yorker

But finding an account that pays a decent rate is an uphill struggle.

The Guardian - Money

Mr. Buffett insists that the papers Berkshire has purchased will generate "a decent rate of return".

The New York Times

He buys all his milk from the Cotteswold Dairy in Tewkesbury, which he said pays farmers a decent rate.

The Guardian - Business

South Africa are just bleeding runs now and this game is slipping away at a decent rate.

The Guardian - Sport

If that happened, we wouldn't need subsidies because we could sell our electricity at a decent rate," he argues.

The Guardian

The overall cuts mean most savers will have to move their money if they want to grab a decent rate.

The Guardian - Business

This loan would have no "points" that consumers would have to pay to get a decent rate.

The New York Times

If you are looking for a youth account with a decent rate of interest, there are several out there that pay more.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial returns or interest, ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes "a decent rate" within the specific industry or investment type. For example, "a decent rate" for a savings account will differ greatly from a high-risk investment.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent rate" without providing context or a benchmark, as what is considered "decent" can vary widely depending on individual expectations and industry standards. Instead, provide a specific percentage or range to clarify your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent rate" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a level, amount, or speed that is considered acceptable or satisfactory. This makes it a descriptive element within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent rate" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an acceptable or satisfactory level, speed, or amount, particularly in financial and performance contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its meaning is generally understood, it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity, as "decent" is subjective. Alternative phrases include "a reasonable price" and "a fair rate". It's most frequently found in news and media, business, and science-related content. When using the expression, ensure that the audience understands what constitutes a "decent" rate within the given situation, and avoid assuming universal understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable price

Replaces "rate" with "price", focusing on the cost aspect while maintaining the sense of fairness.

a fair rate

Substitutes "decent" with "fair", emphasizing impartiality and justice in the rate.

a satisfactory level

Changes both "decent" and "rate" to convey an acceptable standard or degree.

a respectable pace

Replaces "rate" with "pace", suitable when discussing speed or progress.

an adequate amount

Shifts the context to quantity, indicating that the amount is sufficient or acceptable.

an acceptable speed

Focuses specifically on the speed aspect, suggesting it meets a minimum requirement.

a commensurate return

Emphasizes the proportionality of the return in relation to the investment or effort.

a tolerable level

Indicates that the level is barely acceptable, implying a less positive connotation than "decent".

a suitable charge

Replaces "rate" with "charge", suitable for financial contexts; implies appropriateness.

a standard fee

Suggests that the rate is typical and meets established norms.

FAQs

How can I use "a decent rate" in a sentence about investment?

You might say, "Investors are looking for opportunities that offer "a decent rate" of return without excessive risk." This implies a reasonable balance between profitability and security.

What's a less formal alternative to "a decent rate"?

In more casual contexts, you could use phrases like "a fair price" or "a reasonable deal" instead of "a decent rate".

When is it appropriate to use "a decent rate"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is at an acceptable or satisfactory level, whether it's referring to speed, cost, or performance. It's best used when the level of acceptability is implicitly understood or further specified.

What's the difference between "a decent rate" and "a competitive rate"?

"A decent rate" suggests something is reasonably good or acceptable. "A competitive rate", on the other hand, implies that the rate is attractive compared to others in the market, potentially offering better value.