a decent trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fair or reasonable attempt at something, often in the context of testing or evaluating a process or product. Example: "After conducting a decent trial of the new software, we found that it significantly improved our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Now seems on a fairer mark and won a decent trial race at Fairyhouse last time.

The Guardian - Sport

How then can a promising unorthodox treatment get a decent trial?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"This was an eminently defendable case, and I don't think it would have been a capital case if he'd had decent trial counsel" from the start, said Sandra L. Babcock, a Northwestern University law professor representing Mr. Leal on behalf of the Mexican government.

The New York Times

Given there are bonus seconds on offer in the early stages, a decent time trial on Saturday could put Cavendish in contention for the yellow jersey.

The Guardian - Sport

"Richie is leading the team but the course suits me," says Thomas, "and sometimes, like in Algarve, you take your chance and go for a stage win then that puts you up there overall, and I can ride a decent time trial.

The Guardian - Sport

Luxembourg's Andy Schleck, who in 2011 finished second for the third consecutive year after failing to follow up some superb riding in the Alps with a decent time trial performance, has conceded the 2012 Tour will not play to his strengths, but says he is focusing on the mountains.

BBC

Correlation is not causation, and no decent trials have yet been done to show whether DHA supplements do in fact reduce addiction.

The Economist

Plenty of anti-virus stuff, some games, decent trials of popular software, and other doo-dads are good for those who want this stuff.

TechCrunch

"But I was surprised to find there's actually a decent amount of clinical trial evidence supporting the use of cannabis for symptoms like neuropathic pain and muscle spasm.

Vice

"I was looking into the prospect of doing a Giro-Vuelta double because I didn't know how many more opportunities I'd get for a Giro that is set up with so many mountain-top finishes and a decent amount of time trialling.

BBC

It is Mr. Djindjic who implies that he would be willing, after a decent interval and a domestic trial, to see Mr. Milosevic in The Hague, while Mr. Kostunica opposes extradition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decent trial" when you want to convey that a test, experiment, or legal proceeding was conducted fairly and to a reasonable standard. It suggests adequacy without necessarily implying excellence.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent trial" when you want to strongly emphasize the exceptional quality or success of a trial. The word "decent" implies adequacy, not superiority. Consider using stronger adjectives like "thorough", "rigorous", or "successful" if that's your intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent trial" functions as a noun phrase, where "decent" modifies the noun "trial". It suggests a level of acceptability or adequacy in the conduct of a trial or test. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decent trial" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies an adequate or reasonably fair test, experiment, or legal proceeding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and generally understood. While not overly formal, its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. To enhance writing, consider alternatives like "fair hearing" or "reasonable attempt" to more precisely convey the intended meaning, avoiding the phrase when emphasizing exceptional quality. Overall, "a decent trial" serves as a useful phrase for indicating an acceptable level of quality or fairness in a given process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair hearing

Focuses on the impartiality and justice of the process, often in a legal or formal setting.

a reasonable attempt

Emphasizes the effort made, suggesting it was adequate under the circumstances.

a proper evaluation

Highlights the thoroughness and correctness of the assessment process.

a satisfactory test

Indicates the testing met the required standards or expectations.

an adequate assessment

Stresses that the evaluation was sufficient for its purpose.

a competent examination

Highlights the skill and ability with which the examination was conducted.

a credible analysis

Focuses on the trustworthiness and believability of the analysis.

a substantial review

Implies a significant and thorough examination of something.

a legitimate experiment

Focuses on the lawfulness and acceptance of the experiment.

an honest inquiry

Emphasizes the integrity and absence of bias in the investigation.

FAQs

What does "a decent trial" mean?

The phrase "a decent trial" refers to a test, experiment, or legal proceeding that is considered fair, adequate, and reasonably well-conducted, even if not exceptionally outstanding.

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

You can use "a decent trial" to describe something that has been tested or examined appropriately. For example: "The new drug underwent "a decent trial" before being released to the public".

What are some alternatives to "a decent trial"?

Alternatives to "a decent trial" include phrases like "a fair hearing", "a reasonable attempt", or "a proper evaluation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a decent trial" versus "a rigorous trial"?

"A decent trial" implies adequacy and fairness, while "a rigorous trial" suggests a thorough and comprehensive examination. Use "a decent trial" when you want to convey that the process was reasonably good, but "a rigorous trial" when you want to emphasize its thoroughness and high standards.