a decent rating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent rating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a satisfactory or acceptable evaluation or score, often in contexts like reviews or assessments. Example: "The movie received a decent rating from critics, indicating that it was well-received by audiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The business of America, it sometimes seems, is finance.Which makes the car firms' credit ratings hugely important, for without a decent rating, the companies would not only find their debts more expensive but their competitive advantage in finance eroded compared with banks, which as a group are being upgraded.

The Economist

Now Delete Maps Install Airbnb I spend the night in a modest little Hoboken one-bedroom with a decent rating.

The New Yorker

The company, with over 150,000 staff, currently receives a decent rating of 3.4 out of 5 on Glassdoor, the employer review site.

The Guardian

But, in today's atomised TV universe, when you can record a programme for later viewing or catch bits on a mobile app, even four million represents a decent rating.

Independent

A company with a sound balance sheet and a decent rating from S&P can borrow in the bond market at an interest rate of 5.5%.

Forbes

Even a basic portable rig with a decent rating on Etsy will set you back $550.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 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

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

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent rating", ensure the context is clear about what is being rated. Specify the source of the rating (e.g., "a decent rating from customers" or "a decent rating on Yelp") to provide more clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent rating" when you intend to convey an exceptionally high score or evaluation. "Decent" suggests satisfactory or acceptable, not outstanding. Use phrases like "an excellent rating" or "a top-notch score" for exceptional cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent rating" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "rating". Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely recognized in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent rating" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that has received a satisfactory or acceptable evaluation. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates that it's commonly found in News & Media, with a neutral tone suitable for objective reporting. When employing this phrase, be sure the context clearly specifies what is being rated and avoid using it if you intend to convey exceptional quality. Consider alternatives like "a respectable score" or "a satisfactory assessment" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a respectable score

Replaces "rating" with "score" and "decent" with "respectable", emphasizing the numerical aspect of the evaluation.

a solid evaluation

The adjective "solid" indicates a firm or reliable rating.

a satisfactory assessment

Substitutes both "decent" and "rating" with synonyms, focusing on the evaluation process and its outcome.

an acceptable evaluation

Similar to "satisfactory assessment", but uses "acceptable" instead of "satisfactory" to describe the evaluation.

a commendable review

Replaces "rating" with "review" and "decent" with "commendable", highlighting the positive aspect of the evaluation.

a reasonable grade

Uses "grade" instead of "rating", which is suitable when referring to academic or performance evaluations.

a fair appraisal

Implies an unbiased and just evaluation, suitable for professional or personal contexts.

a fairly good mark

Replaces "rating" with "mark" and "decent" with "fairly good", appropriate in educational contexts.

an average rating

Indicates that the rating is neither exceptionally high nor exceptionally low, but rather in the middle range.

a passable evaluation

Implies that the evaluation barely meets the minimum requirements or standards.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a decent rating"?

Having "a decent rating" means something has received an evaluation that is satisfactory or acceptable, but not necessarily outstanding. It suggests a level of quality that meets expectations without exceeding them.

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

You might say, "The restaurant received "a decent rating" on TripAdvisor, so we decided to try it." This indicates the restaurant was rated as being good enough to warrant a visit.

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

You can use alternatives like "a respectable score", "a satisfactory assessment", or "an acceptable evaluation", depending on the context.

Is "a decent rating" always a positive thing?

While generally positive, "a decent rating" is not the highest praise. It implies something is good enough but leaves room for improvement. A higher rating would be described as "excellent" or "outstanding".