a decent return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the expected or achieved profit or benefit from an investment or effort. Example: "After analyzing the market trends, we believe that this investment will yield a decent return over the next few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With a decent return, the numbers move to +1 for the server and -1 for the returner, still a huge advantage for the server.

The New York Times

It's been a decent return for him.

The Guardian - Sport

Nine league goals in 17 appearances is a decent return.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is more than a decent return," she said.

The New York Times

To earn a decent return on their investments, landlords have been raising jeonse prices.

The Economist

Those stakes that remain are expected to produce a decent return.

The Economist

Private banks say mutuals distort competition and prevent them earning a decent return.

The Economist

That way, it can free up capital and use it elsewhere, hopefully generating a decent return.

The New York Times

If an investment looks likely to deliver a decent return, it is worth making.

The Economist

With interest rates close to zero, money-market funds cannot offer a decent return.

The Economist

It would be enough to manage these assets properly and make a decent return.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In financial reports, quantify what constitutes "a decent return" to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify 'a decent return of 5-7% annually'.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent return" when the expected profit is exceptionally high. This phrase implies a moderate gain, and misusing it can mislead investors or stakeholders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent return" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used. For example, one might seek "a decent return" on an investment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent return" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, indicating an acceptable level of profit or benefit. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in finance and investment. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its prevalence in news, business, and general discussions. While subjective, the phrase implies a moderate, rather than exceptional, gain. When writing, consider quantifying expectations and avoiding overuse in situations promising high profits. Alternative phrases, such as "reasonable yield" and "fair profit", offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable yield

Emphasizes the amount of profit gained relative to the investment; focuses on a specific rate or percentage.

a fair profit

Highlights the justness and ethical consideration of the financial gain.

a satisfactory gain

Focuses on the contentment derived from the increase or benefit.

an acceptable benefit

Stresses the approval or permissibility of the advantage or positive result obtained.

a worthwhile investment outcome

Highlights the value and usefulness of the result in relation to the resources invested.

a commensurate reward

Emphasizes that the benefit or profit is proportional to the effort or investment made.

an adequate payback

Focuses on the sufficiency and appropriateness of the reimbursement or compensation received.

a moderate gain

Indicates a profit that is neither excessive nor negligible but lies within a middle range.

a tangible advantage

Highlights the concrete and perceptible nature of the benefit or gain.

a favorable result

Focuses on the positivity and advantageousness of the outcome achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "a decent return" in a sentence about investments?

You might say, "We're looking for investments that will provide "a decent return" without excessive risk."

What is a more formal synonym for "a decent return"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "a satisfactory yield" or "an acceptable profit margin".

Is "a decent return" subjective, or is there a specific percentage it refers to?

The meaning of ""a decent return"" is somewhat subjective and depends on the context. It generally implies a satisfactory but not exceptionally high profit. What's considered decent varies by investment type and risk tolerance.

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

"A good return" suggests a more substantial profit than ""a decent return"". The latter implies an acceptable, but not necessarily outstanding, level of profitability.