a decent showing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent showing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a satisfactory or respectable performance in a particular context, such as a competition or presentation. Example: "Despite the tough competition, the team put on a decent showing at the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They got 20%, a decent showing.

The Guardian

But the appetizers made a decent showing.

The New York Times

But Citi deserves credit for a decent showing.

The New York Times

"What if," Simon said, "he had a decent showing on a first novel.

The New York Times - Magazine

Potatoes make a decent showing, above camel meat but below horse meat.

The Economist

Gonzalez had a decent showing in seven starts and is now in long relief.

The New York Times - Sports

Another Deep South play, Lillian Hellman's melodramatic "Little Foxes," is getting a decent showing at the Donmar.

The New York Times

Polls of voting intentions showed Labour behind even the Liberal Democrats, the third party.But a decent showing at the dispatch box bought the prime minister some time.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Have to put on a decent show".

The New Yorker

We don't need a semiconscious president to put on a decent show.

The New York Times - Arts

Unsurprisingly, the gulf with William Hill remains, and now Glynn desperately needs a decent show when he unveils interim results this week.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decent showing" when you want to convey that something or someone performed adequately, respectably, or satisfactorily without necessarily being outstanding. It is suitable in contexts where expectations are moderate or where a high level of success is not required.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent showing" when describing truly exceptional achievements. This phrase is best reserved for performances that are satisfactory but not necessarily remarkable; otherwise, you risk downplaying a noteworthy success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent showing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "decent" modifies the noun "showing". It describes the quality of a performance or result, indicating it was satisfactory or respectable. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in describing outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent showing" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a satisfactory or respectable performance. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, often applied to sports, business, or political outcomes. While its register is generally neutral, remember that it indicates adequacy, not exceptionality. For alternatives, you might consider phrases like "a respectable performance" or "a commendable effort", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Use "a decent showing" when the performance is satisfactory but not necessarily outstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a respectable performance

Replaces 'showing' with 'performance', emphasizing the manner of execution.

a creditable display

Replaces 'decent' with 'creditable' and 'showing' with 'display', highlighting worthiness of belief and presentation.

a commendable effort

Substitutes both 'decent' and 'showing' with words denoting praiseworthiness and exertion.

a fair effort

Uses 'fair' and 'effort' offering a slightly less enthusiastic assessment, implying adequacy.

a reasonable result

Focuses on the outcome rather than the process, suggesting an acceptable but not outstanding achievement.

a satisfactory outcome

Emphasizes the fulfillment of basic requirements, indicating a passable achievement.

an adequate presentation

Highlights the sufficiency of a performance or demonstration, implying it meets the minimum standard.

a passable attempt

Suggests the endeavor barely meets requirements but is still acceptable.

a tolerable showing

Conveys that the showing was acceptable although not necessarily impressive.

an acceptable level

Focuses on achieving an expected threshold, rather than excelling.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent showing" to describe a performance or result that is satisfactory or respectable. For example, "The team made "a decent showing" at the competition despite the challenges they faced."

What are some alternatives to "a decent showing"?

Some alternatives to "a decent showing" include "a respectable performance", "a commendable effort", or "a creditable display". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a decent showing" is generally appropriate in formal writing, particularly when describing sports, business, or political outcomes. However, consider whether a more precise or sophisticated phrase might be more suitable depending on the tone and audience.

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

"A decent showing" suggests a satisfactory or respectable performance, while "a good showing" implies a performance that is above average or better than expected. The choice between the two depends on the actual level of performance and the intended emphasis.