a decent sort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent sort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone as a good or respectable person, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "Despite his rough exterior, he's really a decent sort who always helps those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

("Under all that gab, you're a decent sort," Glenda observes).

The Guardian - Books

That nurse of yours is quite a decent sort".

The New Yorker

He's not a monster, or a hypocrite; he's a decent sort, oiling the wheels of society.

The New Yorker

Pooter might be gauche, snobbish and more besides, but he's also a decent sort of chap.

The Guardian

Anyone could see that he was a decent sort of a bloke.

The Guardian

The left-wing candidate, Ferenc Falus, a former chief medical officer, is a decent sort but has no chance.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's a perfectly decent sort of a name, but there's no pizazz, no razzle-dazzle.

The Guardian

During this time, he referred to her as a "very decent sort" and a "friend in her own right".

The Guardian - Books

He was also prepared to take NHS patients, so for a gangster he was a pretty decent sort.

The Guardian

And Shelton declared it to have been "the performance of the night". I don't know, though, something about Boyd just bugs me; maybe it's that, while he seems a decent enough sort, he really doesn't seem to have any sense of humor.

Los Angeles Times

Our hero, a basically decent sort, is not bloodthirsty but merely anxious to collect a $5,000 reward for his quarry, a stake that would set him up as a rancher again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decent sort" to describe someone who is generally good-natured and well-intentioned, even if they might have some flaws or quirks. This phrase is best suited for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent sort" in formal or academic writing, as it can come across as too informal and colloquial. Opt for more professional alternatives like "a respectable person" or "an honorable individual".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent sort" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the person or thing being described is of good character or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decent sort" is a common and grammatically correct English expression used to describe someone who is generally good-natured and respectable. Ludwig confirms its validity and indicates it's suitable for informal contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media, it's less common in formal academic or scientific writing. Consider using alternatives like "a good person" or "a respectable individual" in professional settings. The phrase is mostly used to positively assess an individual's character. Overall, while versatile, "a decent sort" is best reserved for informal or neutral communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a person of integrity

Highlights the individual's honesty and strong moral principles.

a good person

Focuses on the inherent goodness of the individual, omitting the nuance of social acceptability implied by "sort".

a reliable character

Emphasizes the trustworthiness and dependability of the person.

a respectable individual

Emphasizes the individual's adherence to social norms and standards of behavior.

a well-meaning individual

Highlights the positive intentions of the person, even if their actions may not always be perfect.

a fine fellow

Implies a more old-fashioned and slightly more formal tone than the original phrase.

a stand-up guy

Suggests reliability and integrity, often used in a more informal context.

an honorable person

Highlights the individual's integrity and adherence to a strong moral code.

a kind soul

Focuses on the individual's compassion and empathy, rather than their social standing.

a worthy character

Suggests someone who is admirable and deserving of respect due to their moral qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent sort" to describe someone you consider to be good-natured and respectable. For example, "Despite his gruff exterior, he's actually "a decent sort"."

What are some alternatives to "a decent sort"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a good person", "a respectable individual", or "a fine fellow".

Is "a decent sort" formal or informal?

"A decent sort" is generally considered an informal phrase. It's best used in casual conversation or less formal writing.

What does it mean to describe someone as "a decent sort"?

To describe someone as ""a decent sort"" means that you consider them to be generally good, kind, and respectable, even if they are not perfect.