a little decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little decent" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used informally to describe something that is somewhat acceptable or satisfactory, but it is better to use more precise language. Example: "The meal was a little decent, but I've had better."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

So a little decent luck for Mom and Dad doesn't seem like too much to ask.

The New Yorker

Plus, if they want to keep the viewers from wandering off to the Alligator Wrestling Channel, a little decent entertainment.

The New York Times

A little Botox goes a long way in "Sex and the City," but a little decent writing would have gone even further.

The New York Times

(Dargis) 'SEX AND THE CITY' (R, 2 15) A little Botox goes a long way in Michael Patrick King's dumpy big-screen makeover of the much-adored small-screen delight, but a little decent writing would have gone even further.

The New York Times

(Scott) 'SEX AND THE CITY' (R, 2 15) A little Botox goes a long way in Michael Patrick King's dumpy big-screen makeover of the much-adored small-screen delight, but a little decent writing would have gone even further.

The New York Times

They ultimately did not act on the idea, but Browne ordered thirty mostly unarmed militiamen to occupy Fort Montagu before retiring to his house to "make himself a little decent".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

People learned more and got a little more decent".

The New York Times - Books

Glass is fascinated by the ways people gamble both with and for their happiness, but her characters are a little too decent, generous, and forgiving.

The New Yorker

Those instincts would seem to make him a good fit with Mr. Carter, who many believe was just a little too decent to be the president of the most powerful country on earth.

The New York Times

Summer is around the corner, so I expected things to drop off, but I had hoped that we could be a little more decent and avoid the painful "fade out" method.

Huffington Post

In the 1970s and 1980s there was so little decent fiction for young people, but we're now in a golden age that shows no sign of fading.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and precision, consider replacing "a little decent" with stronger, more descriptive alternatives to convey the intended level of quality or acceptability more effectively.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "decent" as it can be subjective. Provide context by specifying what makes something "decent" or use a more descriptive adjective that clearly indicates the quality you want to express.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little decent" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, that describes a noun. It indicates a level of quality or acceptability that is slightly above average or minimally satisfactory. Ludwig AI notes that this phrase is not standard and can sound awkward.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little decent" is an adjective phrase used to express a modest level of quality or acceptability. Ludwig AI identifies it as somewhat non-standard and potentially awkward. While grammatically acceptable, it is generally recommended to use more descriptive alternatives for clarity. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts and its informality makes it less appropriate for academic or formal writing. Consider alternatives such as "somewhat acceptable" or "fairly adequate" for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of decent

Maintains a similar level of informality and expresses a hesitant endorsement.

somewhat acceptable

Focuses on the acceptability aspect, suggesting it meets a minimum requirement.

fairly adequate

Emphasizes the adequacy aspect, indicating it's sufficient but not exceptional.

moderately good

Highlights a level of goodness that is not outstanding but still appreciable.

somewhat respectable

Highlights a degree of respectability, implying it meets a basic standard of admiration.

reasonably satisfactory

Indicates a level of satisfaction that is within reasonable expectations.

slightly better

Implies a marginal improvement or quality compared to a previous state.

marginally acceptable

Highlights that something barely meets the threshold of being acceptable.

quite tolerable

Focuses on the tolerability aspect, suggesting it is bearable but not necessarily enjoyable.

passably good

Suggests that something is good enough to pass or be tolerated.

FAQs

What does "a little decent" mean?

The phrase "a little decent" suggests something is slightly above average or minimally acceptable, but not exceptionally good. It expresses a modest level of quality or adequacy.

What can I say instead of "a little decent"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat acceptable", "fairly adequate", or "moderately good" to convey a similar meaning with potentially greater clarity.

Is "a little decent" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "a little decent" can sound awkward or informal. It is generally better to use more precise and descriptive language to express the intended meaning.

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

You might use it in a sentence like, "The restaurant was "kind of decent", but I wouldn't rave about it." However, consider using a stronger adjective to enhance clarity.