a decent step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that is considered reasonable or satisfactory in a given context. Example: "Implementing a flexible work schedule is a decent step towards improving employee satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The new Moto G has an eight-megapixel camera, which is a decent step up from the five-megapixel camera on the old Moto G.

The Guardian - Tech

Gracefully retiring Page 3 to its rightful bin of outdated 80s naffness would be a decent step towards giving men a bit more credit – recognising that we are emotionally nuanced characters who can't (always) be bought off with a boob.

The Guardian

Richard Goyder, managing director of Wesfarmers, said: "While we know this is a decent step offshore, we've made this decision following a lot of hard work reviewing the opportunity and assessing the market and we do this with our eyes wide open.

The Guardian - Business

Windows 7 has made a decent step towards this.

TechCrunch

That's also helped along by a decent step up from 3- to 4GB of RAM.

TechCrunch

He said the Red Bull, running in a temporary camouflage livery, was "hopefully a decent step forward from last year", but he added that a title challenge would be "extremely difficult, in truth.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

However, earnings growth did take a much-needed decent step in the right direction in September".

BBC

Mueller says this year's U.S. tax cut was a "decent first step" but nowhere near enough.

Forbes

That's a decent first step that a lot of people have been asking for.

TechCrunch

If this type of venue makes it easier for some to make that leap, well, it's a decent first step.

Huffington Post

Max Cleland, minus the three limbs he lost in Vietnam, showed up in his wheelchair outside President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Tex., on Wednesday to suggest that the president take the simple and decent step of condemning the slime that is being spread by Bush supporters against the war record of John Kerry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent step", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'decent' in that specific situation to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it's a 'decent step' in terms of quality, quantity, or progress.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "a decent step". While it indicates progress, it doesn't necessarily imply a complete solution or a major breakthrough. Use it to describe moderate improvements, not revolutionary changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "decent" is an adjective modifying the noun "step". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent step" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a moderately positive advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its prevalence in various contexts, especially News & Media. While interchangeable with alternatives like "a reasonable advancement" or "a commendable move", it's crucial to avoid overstating its impact. When using "a decent step", clarity in defining 'decent' is key. This phrase serves as a valuable tool for expressing satisfactory progress in diverse written and spoken communications. Overall is versatile and easy to understand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable advancement

Replaces 'decent' with 'reasonable' and 'step' with 'advancement', suggesting a moderate level of progress.

a commendable move

Substitutes 'step' with 'move' and 'decent' with 'commendable', implying an action worthy of praise.

a satisfactory progression

Uses 'satisfactory' instead of 'decent' and 'progression' for 'step', indicating an acceptable level of forward movement.

a worthwhile effort

Replaces the original phrase by referring to the action as an effort that is of value.

a meaningful improvement

Indicates that the action or change has significance and produces a positive outcome.

a solid stride

Replaces 'step' with 'stride', conveying a sense of confidence and purpose in the advancement.

a positive development

Emphasizes the optimistic nature of the advancement, focusing on its beneficial impact.

a notable advance

Highlights the visibility and significance of the step taken.

a welcome change

Indicates that the action is appreciated and creates a more favorable situation.

a promising start

Suggests that the step is a good beginning with potential for future success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent step" to describe an action or decision that represents a reasonable or satisfactory level of progress. For example, "Implementing the new safety protocols is "a decent step" towards reducing workplace accidents".

What are some alternatives to saying "a decent step"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "a decent step" with phrases like "a reasonable advancement", "a commendable move", or "a satisfactory progression".

Is it always appropriate to use "a decent step"?

While grammatically correct, "a decent step" might not always be the most impactful choice. Consider stronger alternatives if the situation warrants greater emphasis on the progress being made. For smaller improvements it is instead the optimal word.

What's the difference between "a decent step" and "a significant step"?

"A decent step" implies a moderate or satisfactory level of progress, while "a significant step" suggests a more substantial or impactful advancement. The choice depends on the magnitude of the improvement you want to convey. "A significant step" indicates a more remarkable change compared to "a decent step".