as decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as decent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the quality or standard of something to what is considered decent or acceptable. Example: "The meal was as decent as I expected, given the restaurant's reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm as decent as I'll ever be, I'm afraid.

The New Yorker

They are as decent as any one of us here.

The New Yorker

All as British as decent fair play.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The essence of denim is as decent, normal, popular clothing.

The New York Times

It doesn't really strike me as decent tango backing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Their neighbours describe them as decent, church-going people.

The Guardian - Books

George McGovern was a thoroughly decent man, and just as decent a politician.

The New Yorker

Mr. Mezrich presents most of them as decent, unfairly picked-on businessmen.

The New York Times - Books

She comes across as decent, vulnerable and hurt by the damage to her reputation.

Independent

Of course, the characterization as decent is only in relation to that outlier.

The New York Times

Every Imogen strikes me as decent and thoughtful as I patiently go through the same questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as decent" when comparing something to a standard of acceptability or adequacy. For example, "The quality of the work was as decent as we could expect for the price."

Common error

Avoid using "as decent" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or sophisticated term might be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "as acceptable", "as satisfactory", or "as adequate" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as decent" functions primarily as an adjective phrase used for comparison. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a quality that meets a certain level of acceptability or adequacy, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as decent" is a common and generally acceptable way to express that something meets a reasonable standard of quality or acceptability. As Ludwig AI indicates, the grammatical status is correct. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various settings. While alternatives such as ""as acceptable"" or ""as satisfactory"" may be more precise in certain formal contexts, "as decent" remains a versatile and widely understood expression. Remember to use it when you want to indicate a level of adequacy without necessarily implying exceptional quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as acceptable

Emphasizes the degree to which something meets a certain standard or requirement.

as satisfactory

Focuses on whether something meets the expectations or needs.

as respectable

Highlights the level of dignity and esteem associated with someone or something.

as appropriate

Stresses the suitability of something for a particular situation.

as reasonable

Implies fairness and logic in a given context.

as fair

Indicates impartiality and justness.

as suitable

Highlights the fitness of something for a specific purpose.

as adequate

Emphasizes the sufficiency of something to meet a requirement.

as honorable

Highlights moral integrity and ethical behavior.

as good

Offers a general positive assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "as decent" to indicate a level of acceptability or adequacy. For example, "The hotel was "as decent" as we expected for the price."

What can I say instead of "as decent"?

Alternatives to "as decent" include "as acceptable", "as satisfactory", or "as reasonable", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "as decent" or "as good"?

Both "as decent" and "as good" are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "As decent" suggests a basic level of acceptability, while "as good" indicates a higher level of quality. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to express.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "as decent"?

It's appropriate to use "as decent" when you want to express that something meets a certain standard of acceptability without necessarily being exceptional. It's suitable in both informal and neutral contexts.