a decent try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge someone's effort, especially when the outcome may not have been successful but the attempt is appreciated. Example: "Although the project didn't turn out as expected, it was a decent try, and I appreciate the hard work you put into it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This shortcoming is an honest failing after a decent try.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's a decent effort to try to federalize the case," Mr. Perr said of the Republican argument that ignoring the state time limit on ballot replacements usurped the Legislature's role.

The New York Times

Invisible, he says, when they look for a decent home, try to access municipal services or tilt towards a decently paid job.

The Guardian

After you have attained a decent handstand, try holding a bean bag or beanie baby toy between your feet or knees and popping up to a handstand instead of lunging.

WikiHow

To be unique but still decent try shades like canary yellow, maroon, acid green etc. Use decorative items.

WikiHow

He's a decent bloke trying to do the right thing.

The Guardian

It was a decent man trying to share culpability and to effectively remind anyone who would listen of the old adage about treating triumph and disaster the same.

The New York Times - Sports

There are smart lyric-writers, sweet boys and commercial boys, but there isn't a decent one trying to find another rhyme with love today".

The New York Times - Books

The Passion of the Christ depicts the Jews as bloodthirsty savages, against Pontius Pilate, the Roman leader, as a decent man trying to restrain them.

The Guardian - Film

Humphrey Bogart's shell was "a carapace," as Stefan Kanfer writes about one of his roles, "meant to cover the psychic injuries of a decent man trying to forget the past".

The New York Times - Books

And though Peter's chapters lack the oomph of the stories that precede and follow, they convey the paralysis of a decent man trying hard to make sense of the violence that surrounds him.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decent try" when you want to acknowledge effort even if the outcome wasn't entirely successful. It's a good way to encourage further attempts.

Common error

Avoid using "decent" excessively as a general intensifier. While "a decent try" is idiomatic, constantly describing everything as 'decent' can weaken your writing. Choose more precise adjectives to convey your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent try" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to an attempt or effort that is considered reasonably good or satisfactory, even if not entirely successful. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its usage in acknowledging efforts in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decent try" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for acknowledging effort, even when the outcome isn't ideal. As Ludwig AI suggests, it functions as a noun phrase, serving to encourage and validate attempts made. Its neutral register makes it suitable across various contexts, especially in news and media, as well as wiki environments. Alternatives like "a good effort" or "a commendable effort" can be used for similar effect. Remember to use "decent" judiciously to maintain the strength of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a commendable effort

Emphasizes the praiseworthiness of the effort made.

a worthy attempt

Highlights the value and importance of the attempt.

a good effort

A more general and simple way to acknowledge the effort.

a valiant effort

Suggests the attempt was made with courage or determination.

a reasonable attempt

Indicates the attempt was logical and sensible.

a fair shot

Implies giving someone an equal opportunity to succeed.

an honest endeavor

Focuses on the sincerity and integrity of the attempt.

a sincere attempt

Highlights the genuine nature of the effort.

a spirited effort

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and energy put into the attempt.

a determined attempt

Highlights the resolve and perseverance in making the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent try" to acknowledge an effort, even if it wasn't completely successful. For example, "Although the presentation wasn't perfect, it was a decent try."

What's another way to say "a decent try"?

Alternatives include "a good effort", "a commendable effort", or "a worthy attempt".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a decent try"?

Yes, "a decent try" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "a decent try"?

It's appropriate to use "a decent try" in situations where you want to acknowledge someone's effort, even if they didn't achieve complete success. It's often used to offer encouragement or acknowledge improvement.