a decent sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent sum" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe an amount of money or resources that is considered to be adequate or satisfactory. Example: "After years of saving, she finally had a decent sum of money to put towards her dream vacation." In this sentence, "a decent sum" is used to describe the amount of money that the person has saved, indicating that it is enough to fulfill their desired goal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A decent sum, but surely not enough to provide a motive.

The Guardian - Books

Well, he paid a decent sum to its owner and bought the shack.

The New Yorker

What would he regard as a decent sum? "Certainly £1m each for what they have to face.

The Guardian

He has earned a decent sum of money over the years but never any real recognition for his achievements.

The Guardian - Sport

That is a decent sum for most racehorses, but not for one who had an eight-figure purchase price.

The New York Times - Sports

Either way, Mason will eventually sign with some team and will make a decent sum of money.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The club must be more difficult to sell now for any decent sum than it was a year ago.

The Guardian - Sport

Unsurprisingly, audiences loved her and she would often make around $80 a session - a pretty decent sum at the time.

The Guardian - Music

That may seem like a decent enough sum as cash, but the new properties being built in their place are already being advertised at £300,000+ for a one bedroom flat, and many of the properties in the Oakmayne development will be priced similarly.

Vice

The Pru's research found that in 2011, just over half (52%) of all people retiring were expecting to leave a decent cash sum to their heirs.

The Guardian - Money

Working until 67, increasing the level of basic state provision, paying more in national insurance contributions to ensure the poorest pensioners get a decent weekly sum, and a new pensions savings scheme - all these measures are hard to swallow, for business and many employees.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent sum", consider the context and whether a more precise or evocative term might be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying someone earned "a decent sum", you might say they earned "a comfortable income" or "a substantial profit".

Common error

While "a decent sum" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound too informal or vague for academic or business writing. In such situations, opt for more specific language, such as "a significant investment" or "an adequate budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent sum" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "sum". It quantifies the noun, indicating an amount considered satisfactory. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decent sum" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an amount of money or resources that is considered adequate or satisfactory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in news and media contexts and possesses a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles. While generally acceptable, more specific language may be preferred in formal or business writing, as using alternatives like "a fair amount", "a reasonable amount", or "a substantial amount" may add a more appropriate nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair amount

Focuses more on the impartiality or justness of the quantity.

a reasonable amount

Suggests the quantity is appropriate and logical for the situation.

a goodly sum

An older, slightly more formal way of saying a substantial amount.

a tidy sum

Implies the amount is neatly organized or well-earned.

a considerable amount

Emphasizes the significance or size of the quantity.

a substantial amount

Highlights the large size or importance of the quantity.

a respectable amount

Indicates the quantity is worthy of esteem or approval.

a worthwhile amount

Highlights that the amount of resources is worthy the time, effort or resources spent.

a satisfactory amount

Focuses on the amount meeting expectations or requirements.

a notable amount

Highlights that the amount is worthy of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent sum" to describe an amount of money or resources that is considered adequate or satisfactory. For instance, "She inherited "a decent sum" from her grandmother and invested it wisely."

What's a good alternative to "a decent sum"?

Alternatives include "a fair amount", "a reasonable amount", or "a substantial amount", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "a decent sum" may be too informal for academic or business writing. Consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "a significant amount" or "an adequate allocation".

What does "a decent sum" exactly mean?

"A decent sum" suggests an amount of money or resources that is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose. It implies neither an excessive nor a meager amount, but rather an adequate one.