a decent supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent supply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an adequate or satisfactory amount of something that is available. Example: "The store has a decent supply of fresh produce, ensuring that customers can find what they need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Leicestershire are continuing to produce a decent supply of players but are finding them increasingly difficult to keep.

The Guardian - Sport

The Knicks now have a decent supply, with Kelenna Azubuike — a career 40.9 percent shooter from the arc — joining the holdovers Gallinari (38.9) and Toney Douglas (38.9).

The New York Times - Sports

Not surprisingly, the countries that did well at Sochi tended to be those that have a decent supply of snow at home.

The Economist

Since such a lowly satellite would suffer from atmospheric drag, it would need its own propulsion system and a decent supply of fuel.

The Economist

Many more systems have been trialled and rejected since but, when you have a decent supply of specialist attacking full-backs, they ought to be trusted.

The Guardian - Sport

7. JAGUAR XK8 CONVERTIBLE The Jaguar XK8 has been around since 1997, which means a decent supply of used ones is available.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Thanks to government grants and improved pension payments, most houses now have electricity, a decent water supply, outside toilets — and, of course, the right to choose their own government.

The New York Times

"Last year, birds and mammals suffered some of the poorest fruiting crop in years and this, coupled with the prolonged cold snap in spring, meant that many species had to endure a long period without a decent food supply".

The Guardian

For its many fans in the world of development experts, its achievement in doing this while serving the very poor makes it a model proof that all that stands between poor people and a decent water supply is mismanagement.This is a salutary message.

The Economist

Here are two very real examples, from Facebook: "Invest in a decent febreeze supply and use a capture card to play my consoles on my laptop," says literally a man called Corey on one post; "As long as I've got room for my TV and PC I'm good," says another, called Ron, further up.

Vice

Here are two very real examples, from Facebook: "Invest in a decent febreeze supply and use a capture card to play my consoles on my laptop," says literally a man called Corey on one post; "As long as I've got room for my TV and PC I'm good," says another, called Ron, further up.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a decent supply" with an "of + [noun]" phrase to specify what is being supplied (e.g., "a decent supply of water", "a decent supply of food").

Common error

Avoid using "a decent supply" when you actually mean an abundance or a large quantity. "Decent" implies a satisfactory, but not excessive, amount. Use alternatives like "a generous supply" or "a plentiful amount" if you want to emphasize the quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent supply" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "decent" qualifies the noun "supply", indicating a satisfactory or adequate amount. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent supply" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a satisfactory or adequate amount of something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's considered correct for written English and appears in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, and formal business communications. While “decent” suggests adequacy, it doesn't imply abundance, which is a crucial distinction to keep in mind for precise writing. When aiming for synonyms, consider phrases like "a reasonable quantity" or "a fair amount" depending on the exact nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable quantity

Focuses on the amount being within acceptable limits.

a fair amount

Emphasizes impartiality and adequacy in the quantity provided.

a good quantity

Indicates a satisfactory and appreciable amount.

an adequate provision

Highlights the sufficiency of what is provided for a particular need.

a satisfactory stockpile

Refers to a stored quantity that meets requirements.

a sufficient stock

Indicates that the amount available is enough to meet demands.

an ample reserve

Suggests a generous and more than sufficient quantity kept in reserve.

a comfortable measure

Implies ease and security in the amount available.

a respectable volume

Conveys that the amount is considerable and worthy of recognition.

an acceptable level

Highlights that the quantity meets the minimum requirements or standards.

FAQs

What does "a decent supply" mean?

The phrase "a decent supply" refers to an amount of something that is adequate or satisfactory, though not necessarily abundant. It implies there is enough of something to meet needs or requirements reasonably well.

What are some synonyms for "a decent supply"?

Synonyms for "a decent supply" include "a reasonable quantity", "a fair amount", "a good quantity", or "an adequate provision". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

You can use "a decent supply" to describe the availability of something. For example: "The store has a decent supply of fresh produce" or "The hikers packed a decent supply of water for their trip".

When should I use "a decent supply" instead of "a large supply"?

Use "a decent supply" when you want to indicate that there is enough of something, but not necessarily a lot. Use "a large supply" when you want to emphasize that there is a substantial amount available.