a decent stack of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent stack of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a satisfactory or reasonable amount of something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "After a long day at work, I was happy to come home to a decent stack of my favorite books waiting for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

June 30, 1890 Painted a decent stack of wheat today.

The New Yorker

Nursing a decent stack of chips, Mr. Piepho played the remaining hands warily, folding miserable cards early.

The New York Times

A megabyte is, in this context, 1,000 kilobytes — or about the size of a photo taken with a decent digital camera, or roughly one minute of a song, or a decent stack of e-mail.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

(4) Enough money to keep your house in a decent state of repair?

BMC Public Health

You'll need decent walking shoes and a stack of books, since there is a seductive lack of anything else to do.

The Guardian - Travel

A needle in a stack of chips.

Vice

What is a decent standard of living?

The Economist

I give him a decent chance of a surprise win.

Independent

We've a decent core of regulars.

The New Yorker

Build in a decent amount of ease.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And a decent pair of jeans.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent stack of", ensure the context clarifies what the 'stack' refers to. For instance, "a decent stack of books" is clearer than simply "a decent stack".

Common error

Avoid using "a decent stack of" to describe something that is inherently small or singular. It implies a notable quantity, so it's unsuitable for describing, for example, a single coin or a tiny amount of liquid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent stack of" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase followed by a noun, acting to quantify or describe a certain collection. Ludwig AI examples show this usage, indicating a reasonable amount of something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent stack of" is an adjective phrase used to describe a satisfactory quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its usage in various contexts, primarily news media, though it remains relatively rare. While acceptable, its informal tone may not suit formal writing. Alternatives like "a considerable amount of" can be considered for more formal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the 'stack' refers to something countable and that the quantity is indeed more than negligible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable amount of

Emphasizes the quantity is noteworthy or substantial.

a respectable quantity of

Highlights that the quantity is adequate or worthy of respect.

a fair number of

Suggests the quantity is reasonable or just.

a good supply of

Focuses on having enough for a particular purpose.

a substantial pile of

Implies the quantity is large and forms a heap.

a tidy sum of

Indicates an amount, particularly of money, that is significant.

a reasonable store of

Suggests a moderate and sufficient amount kept for later use.

a generous helping of

Implies a plentiful serving, often used in the context of food.

a plentiful collection of

Highlights having an abundance of collected items.

a satisfactory hoard of

Suggests a gathered and stored amount that meets requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "a decent stack of" in a sentence?

You can use "a decent stack of" to describe having a reasonable amount of something, like "I have a decent stack of papers to grade this weekend." or "She came home with "a decent stack of groceries"."

What phrases are similar to "a decent stack of"?

Alternatives include "a considerable amount of", "a fair number of", or "a respectable quantity of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "a decent stack of" is somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider more precise and professional alternatives like "a significant quantity of" or "a considerable number of".

What's the difference between "a decent stack of" and "a large stack of"?

"A decent stack of" implies a satisfactory or reasonable amount, whereas "a large stack of" emphasizes the quantity's size. "Decent" focuses on adequacy, while "large" focuses on magnitude.