decent compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent compromise" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when talking about finding a reasonable solution or agreement that satisfies both parties involved in a situation. Example: After hours of negotiation, they were finally able to reach a decent compromise that satisfied all parties involved.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It seemed like a decent compromise.

The New York Times

Floor approval should be a no-brainer, leading to a decent compromise with the Senate.

The New York Times

The state is now close to achieving a decent compromise bill.

The New York Times

Spread over Good Friday and Easter Monday, that seems a decent compromise between tradition and commerce.

The Guardian - Sport

That may seem a decent compromise; the sellers got more than the market price for their land.

The Economist

He saw this as a decent compromise and could not understand why Checkland took a rather different view.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Director Anne Bogart and her New York-based SITI Company return to the Getty to stage this rarely revived work, in a translation by Aaron Poochigian that cuts a decent enough compromise between archaic and accessible.

Los Angeles Times

Western powers have offered them as many decent compromises and face-saving mechanisms as they may want - as long as they are reasonable and the Afghan government accepts them.

BBC

He calls them "the good Germans," decent people compromised by flawed systems.

The New Yorker

Lack of jobs, lack of decent pay, compromised careers -- all of these outcomes can shape people's lives, including their emotional lives, in powerful ways.

Huffington Post

The formula turns out to be deceptively simple: provide decent, clean governance, compromise with your enemies and focus on the economy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent compromise" when you want to convey that while the agreement may not be ideal for all parties, it's a reasonable and acceptable solution given the circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "decent compromise" when the agreement is truly exceptional or highly beneficial. This phrase suggests adequacy, not superiority. If the compromise is truly outstanding, use stronger terms like "excellent agreement" or "win-win solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent compromise" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "compromise". Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and commonly used. The adjective adds a layer of qualification, indicating the compromise is of acceptable or satisfactory quality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decent compromise" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an agreement that is reasonably acceptable, though not necessarily ideal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase, with "decent" qualifying the nature of the compromise. Its usage is prevalent in news and media, suggesting a neutral register. Related phrases include "reasonable agreement" and "fair resolution". When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the adequacy—not superiority—of the agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable agreement

Emphasizes the logical and justifiable nature of the agreement.

acceptable settlement

Highlights the satisfactory resolution achieved.

fair resolution

Focuses on the impartiality and justness of the outcome.

workable solution

Suggests the practicality and effectiveness of the agreement.

suitable arrangement

Indicates the appropriateness and fitness of the agreement.

satisfactory understanding

Highlights the mutual agreement and acceptance reached.

amicable accord

Emphasizes the friendly and cooperative nature of the agreement.

palatable arrangement

Focuses on the agreeableness and acceptability of the arrangement, especially to those involved.

bearable agreement

The agreement is somewhat unpleasant, but it is still tolerable.

just settlement

Emphasizes the moral correctness and fairness of the agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent compromise" to describe an agreement that is acceptable and reasonably fair, even if not perfect. For example, "After a long negotiation, they reached a "decent compromise" that addressed most of their concerns."

What are some alternatives to saying "decent compromise"?

Alternatives include "reasonable agreement", "acceptable settlement", or "fair resolution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "decent compromise" and "ideal compromise"?

Yes, "decent compromise" suggests an agreement that is satisfactory and acceptable, while "ideal compromise" implies the best possible outcome where all parties' needs are fully met. The former is more realistic in many situations.

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

Use "decent compromise" when you want to convey that the outcome is reasonably good and workable, even if it requires some concessions from all sides. It's suitable when describing situations where perfection is unattainable but a satisfactory resolution is achieved.