a decent report

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent report" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a report that meets an acceptable standard of quality or thoroughness. Example: "After reviewing the findings, I believe we can submit a decent report to the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It's a decent report, but it's not by any means robust," said Conrad DeQuadros, senior economist at RDQ Economics, a research firm.

The New York Times

The organisers of the Talk campaign, an equally grassroots exercise at the very least, weren't even able to get enough funding to get a decent report out.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Overall this is a decent report in the context of an economy growing modestly, but there are clear signs in the household employment and temp numbers to suggest better times ahead," said Ian Shepherdson, with High Frequency Economics.

The Washington Post

"If a company like Caterpillar shows a decent report, the stock is going to respond well and, in this case, take a couple of other industrial issues up with it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Apple ended up with a pretty decent report for its second quarter, beating analyst expectations on most of its metrics — but it is making a huge move in terms of returning capital to investors.

TechCrunch

A decent story [graphic].

Yale University

Today's full-scale freakout over a decent jobs report is a sight to behold.

The New York Times

"Overall, given all the challenges Facebook has faced this year, this is a decent earnings report," EMarketer analyst Debra Aho Williamson said.

Los Angeles Times

Investors had a couple pieces of positive news to get behind: a decent earnings report from Berkshire Hathaway and the announcement of a rescue package for a struggling Portuguese bank.

Los Angeles Times

If the Convention produces a decent final report, then no one will ever be able to brush aside what it does and the IGC will have to take that into account.

EU Parlament

If no decent report is attached to the bill, members on the floor should start challenging the sponsor for details.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent report", ensure that the context clarifies the criteria for 'decency' (e.g., thoroughness, accuracy, clarity). This prevents ambiguity and sets clear expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent report" when the report is truly exceptional or groundbreaking. In such cases, opt for stronger descriptors like "an outstanding report" or "a comprehensive analysis" to accurately reflect its quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent report" functions as a noun phrase, where "decent" acts as a pre-modifying adjective specifying the quality of the "report". Ludwig confirms that this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent report" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a document of satisfactory quality. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability and widespread use. While it may not be appropriate for extremely formal situations, it functions effectively in general communication, news reporting, and professional settings. When writing with this phrase, remember to provide context that makes clear the specific criteria that defines the 'decency' of the report. Alternatives such as "a satisfactory report" or "a sensible report" can be used depending on the nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensible report

Emphasizes the rationality and practicality of the report's content.

a satisfactory report

Focuses on the report meeting the required expectations or standards.

a reasonable report

Highlights the report's logical and justifiable nature.

a fair report

Stresses the impartiality and objectivity of the report.

a good report

A more general term indicating acceptable quality and usefulness.

a proper report

Suggests that the report adheres to established conventions and standards.

a correct report

Indicates that the report contains accurate and factual information.

a worthy report

Implies the report holds merit and is deserving of attention.

a better report

Suggests an improvement over a previous report, highlighting enhanced quality.

an honest report

Highlights the integrity and truthfulness of the report's content.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent report" to describe a document that meets a satisfactory standard of quality or thoroughness, such as "The team managed to produce "a decent report" despite the limited time frame".

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

"A decent report" implies that the report is adequate and meets the basic requirements. "A good report", on the other hand, suggests that the report is better than just adequate and possesses commendable qualities.

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

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

Is it appropriate to use "a decent report" in formal writing?

While "a decent report" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for neutral or slightly informal contexts. In very formal settings, consider using alternatives like "a satisfactory report" or "a comprehensive report" to convey a more polished tone.