a decent relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is satisfactory or acceptable in quality, often implying a level of respect and understanding between the parties involved. Example: "After years of ups and downs, they finally established a decent relationship that allowed them to communicate openly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

But Mustafa can fight with people and, despite everything, maintain a decent relationship with them".

The New Yorker

It is the educated, the competent, those with a decent relationship with a doctor - which, in practice, usually means those with a decent relationship with health insurance - who are likely to seek it.

The Guardian

Despite the friction, Manuel said, "I like Ryan Church," and Church agreed that they had a decent relationship.

The New York Times - Sports

I may not agree with everything they do but I want us to have a decent relationship.

The Guardian - Sport

He thought he had developed a decent relationship with Ms. Haley, he said, both when he was her colleague in the Legislature and now during her governorship.

The New York Times

It took Pratt nearly a decade to seek forgiveness from his two sons and worked out a decent relationship with his now ex-wife.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

In any decent relationship the couple should like the others true self.

WikiHow

And while we've maintained a pretty decent relationship with our only neighbour over the past century, Trump has been engaging in a bombastic rhetoric towards us that feels totally alien to most Canadians.

Vice

This is a sharp contrast to former President Bill Clinton, who met frequently with the last Palestinian leader, Yasir Arafat, even if that relationship ultimately soured, too — or even to former President George W. Bush, who built a decent working relationship with Mr. Abbas during his effort to achieve a peace agreement.

The New York Times

Your group has said you've had a decent working relationship with some administrators.

Princeton University

She has what is considered a decent working relationship with Mr. McConnell, though some colleagues occasionally bristle at her breakaway nature.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey a basic level of respect and functionality in a connection, "a decent relationship" is appropriate. However, consider alternatives like "good", "strong", or "healthy" to express deeper connections.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent relationship" when the context suggests a significantly more profound connection. Using it to describe a close friendship, for example, may sound understated or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent relationship" functions as a noun phrase, with "decent" modifying the noun "relationship". It describes the quality or nature of the relationship. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to describe a relationship that is satisfactory or acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Science

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent relationship" is a commonly used phrase to describe a connection that meets a basic standard of respect and functionality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and choose more descriptive alternatives like "good", "strong", or "healthy" when appropriate. It is most frequently used in News & Media, Wiki and Formal & Business, while Academic contexts are less likely to use it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good relationship

Indicates a positive and generally better connection than just "decent".

a satisfactory relationship

Emphasizes that the relationship meets a certain minimum level of expectation or requirement.

a reasonable relationship

Highlights the logical and practical aspects of the relationship, suggesting it is fair and balanced.

a respectable relationship

Suggests the relationship is viewed positively by others and adheres to social norms.

a workable relationship

Focuses on the functionality and practicality of the relationship, indicating it is capable of achieving its goals.

a fair relationship

Implies impartiality and justice within the relationship dynamics.

a cordial relationship

Stresses politeness and friendliness, often used in professional contexts.

an acceptable relationship

Indicates the relationship is adequate but not necessarily exceptional.

a stable relationship

Focuses on the consistency and reliability of the connection.

a solid relationship

Implies strength and resilience in the relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent relationship" to describe a connection between people or entities that is satisfactory and respectful. For example, "Despite their differences, they maintained a decent relationship for the sake of their children."

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

"A decent relationship" suggests a satisfactory or acceptable connection, whereas "a good relationship" implies a more positive and fulfilling bond. "Decent" is a weaker term than "good".

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

You can use alternatives like "a satisfactory relationship", "a reasonable relationship", or "a respectable relationship" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to describe a bond between people like "a decent relationship"?

While generally neutral to positive, describing a relationship as merely "decent" may imply it lacks depth or warmth. Consider the specific context to determine if a stronger term like "good" or "strong" would be more appropriate.