a decent solution

USAGE SUMMARY

"a decent solution" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when you are referring to a plan of action or a solution to a problem that you believe is acceptable. For example: I think we've come up with a decent solution to this problem.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Let's try to find a decent solution.

The Guardian

Everyone figured this place was a decent solution; he did, too.

The New York Times

A decent solution is now there for the taking, if President Bush and the newly Democratic Congress are willing to grab it.

The New York Times

Lech Walesa, a former president and a founder of Solidarity, said he was "ready to mediate a decent solution" if Ukraine's outgoing president, Leonid Kuchma, asked him.

The Economist

And after the protesters have been duly removed from Vieques, it will still be within the power of the president to find a decent solution in dealing with human beings who have the right to walk around their native beaches.

The New York Times

The pre-eminent adviser to successive Australian governments – both Labor and Coalition – on asylum policy for more than two decades, Paris Aristotle, has said the current offshore arrangements have failed and that people held on Nauru and Manus Island needed a "decent solution" quickly.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's a decent result.

BBC

And I also get a decent answer.

British Journal of General Practice

"There is a lot of common ground between Germany and Britain when it comes to the EU and I think we will find a reasonable and decent solution for the British proposals but let's see what actually happens in 2015," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

BBC

Tobacco water, baby powder, and glue are all decent solutions you can use to clog the hole of the anthill and kill many of the ants inside.

WikiHow

The only decent solution is to install a dedicated password memorization program (like Roboform, KeePass, LastPass, 1Password, and so on).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent solution", ensure that the context provides sufficient information about the problem being solved. This adds clarity and allows your audience to evaluate the solution's suitability.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a decent solution" as the ultimate or perfect answer. Acknowledge its limitations or potential drawbacks to maintain credibility and demonstrate a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent solution" functions as a noun phrase, where 'decent' modifies 'solution'. It describes a solution that is adequate, acceptable, or satisfactory without necessarily being exceptional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent solution" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes an adequate or acceptable resolution to a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is suitable for a neutral to professional register, and often employed in contexts where pragmatism and practicality are valued. While not implying perfection, the phrase suggests a workable answer that meets the basic requirements. It is frequently seen in news and media, as well as scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a satisfactory resolution

Emphasizes the fulfillment of requirements or expectations.

an acceptable compromise

Highlights mutual concessions to reach an agreement.

a reasonable approach

Focuses on the logic and fairness of the method.

a viable alternative

Stresses practicality and feasibility.

a workable answer

Highlights the practicality and effectiveness of the solution.

an adequate fix

Suggests a solution that is sufficient but not necessarily ideal.

a tolerable outcome

Implies a solution that is endurable, though perhaps not preferred.

a practical remedy

Emphasizes the functional and efficient aspects of the solution.

a sensible course of action

Focuses on the intelligent and judicious nature of the solution.

a fair settlement

Highlights impartiality and justice in the resolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent solution" to describe an adequate or acceptable way to resolve a problem or situation. For example, "The proposed compromise seems like "a decent solution" given the circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "a decent solution"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a satisfactory resolution", "a reasonable approach", or "a viable alternative".

Is it better to say "a decent solution" or "an ideal solution"?

"A decent solution" implies an adequate or acceptable resolution, while "an ideal solution" suggests the best possible outcome. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the quality of the solution being discussed.

What is the difference between "a decent solution" and "a good solution"?

While both are positive, "a good solution" suggests a higher quality or more effective resolution than "a decent solution". "Decent" implies adequacy, while "good" suggests superiority. Choose the phrase that corresponds to the real quality of the solution.