be a decent substitute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a decent substitute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing alternatives or replacements for something, indicating that the alternative is satisfactory but not perfect. Example: "While the new software isn't as powerful as the previous version, it can be a decent substitute for most tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If you don't have ammonia, using window cleaning solution can be a decent substitute.

WikiHow

Low sugar fruit juice or fruit juice diluted with water can also be a decent substitute for water.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

– but this was a decent substitute.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Those peas, dashed into boiling water, buried for ever the notion that a frozen pea is a decent substitute for the real thing.

Independent

Alternative low impact, gentler-on-the-spine outdoor activities can be a decent - though not perfect- substitute to running.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Be a decent person.

WikiHow

Be a decent vocalist.

WikiHow

Not much Andy this week, but "a bull... with claws... a bull, with claws... in a dress" was a decent "piiiiig" substitute.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Legal services is an example of a category that is somewhere in the middle: Talking to your attorney in person is very desirable for many potential customers, but ultimately the final work product often doesn't require you to be there in person (unless the attorney does a bad job and you wind up in court!), and there is a decent online service substitute with LegalZoom and related services.

TechCrunch

This is not a new notion but the retooling of a used one: any Roman schooled in the pullulation of the Forum would feel right at home here, and the six-foot sculptures of Woody and Buzz, made from Lego, would, I'm sure, strike him as a decent substitute for the Arch of Augustus.

The New Yorker

When personal moments aren't possible because the folks you need to Follow-up with aren't nearby, a voicemail followed by an email makes a decent substitute.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a decent substitute", consider the context and audience to ensure the level of acceptability implied by "decent" is appropriate. It suggests something is satisfactory, but not exceptional.

Common error

Avoid using "be a decent substitute" when a truly superior alternative exists. Using it in such cases can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a decent substitute" functions as a predicate nominative or complement, describing a noun. The verb "be" links the subject to the description, indicating that something can adequately replace something else. As Ludwig AI explains, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a decent substitute" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates an acceptable, though not perfect, replacement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it appears across varied sources like news media and wikis. Its function is to provide a practical solution or alternative, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When employing this phrase, ensure the implied level of acceptability is appropriate, and avoid using it when a superior option is available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be a reasonable alternative

Focuses on the acceptability of the substitute rather than its quality.

Serve as an acceptable replacement

Emphasizes the function of replacing something, highlighting its suitability.

Be a satisfactory stand-in

Highlights the temporary nature of the substitute.

Function as a passable substitute

Suggests that the substitute is just adequate, not necessarily good.

Be an adequate replacement

Indicates that the substitute meets the minimum requirements.

Act as a workable alternative

Implies the substitute is practical and can be used effectively.

Fill the role adequately

Focuses on the substitute's ability to fulfill a specific function.

Be a second-best option

Clearly indicates that the substitute is not the preferred choice.

Be a makeshift replacement

Highlights the temporary and often improvised nature of the substitute.

Serve as a stopgap measure

Emphasizes the short-term nature and limited effectiveness of the substitute.

FAQs

How can I use "be a decent substitute" in a sentence?

You can use "be a decent substitute" to describe something that is an acceptable, though not perfect, replacement. For example: "While it's not ideal, window cleaning solution can "be a decent substitute" for ammonia when cleaning carpets."

What's the difference between "be a decent substitute" and "be a good substitute"?

"Be a good substitute" implies a higher level of quality and effectiveness than ""be a decent substitute"". Decent suggests something is adequate or satisfactory, while good suggests something is of a higher standard.

What are some alternatives to "be a decent substitute"?

Some alternatives include "be a reasonable alternative", "serve as an acceptable replacement", or "be an adequate replacement". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "be a decent substitute"?

It's appropriate to use ""be a decent substitute"" when you want to acknowledge that something is not the best option but is still acceptable or functional. This is often useful when discussing compromises or trade-offs.