decent effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a satisfactory or acceptable level of effort put into a task or activity. Example: "Although the project didn't turn out as expected, I appreciate the decent effort you put into it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Decent effort though.

The Guardian - Sport

Still a decent effort.

The Guardian - Sport

A decent effort.

The Guardian - Sport

Decent effort, under control, quality passes.

The New York Times

"Decent effort on both counts though".

The Guardian - Sport

A decent effort from where he was.

The Guardian - Sport

She says the work is "a pretty decent effort".

The Economist

It doesn't match up, but it's a decent effort".

The Guardian - Sport

That's a decent effort from a tight spot.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a decent effort and it's Sweden who get the first shot on goal!

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A half-decent effort by the young man from 15 feet, though.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent effort" to acknowledge a positive attempt, even if the outcome was not entirely successful. It's a good way to encourage continued effort.

Common error

While "decent effort" is generally acceptable, consider stronger alternatives like "significant achievement" or "remarkable contribution" in formal reports or professional evaluations for a more impactful assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent effort" functions as an adjective-noun phrase modifying the noun "effort". It serves to describe and qualify the nature of the effort exerted. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to acknowledge a satisfactory, though not necessarily outstanding, attempt or performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent effort" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to positively acknowledge an attempt or performance that meets a satisfactory standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it might not be suitable for overly formal situations, it serves as a versatile way to offer encouragement and recognize effort. Consider using alternatives such as "respectable attempt" or "commendable try" for nuanced communication. To avoid overuse, especially in formal settings, remember that stronger alternatives like "significant achievement" may be more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectable attempt

Emphasizes the worthiness and regard associated with the attempt.

commendable try

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the effort.

reasonable endeavor

Stresses the logical and justifiable nature of the undertaking.

satisfactory performance

Focuses on the acceptable level of achievement.

credible showing

Suggests a believable and noteworthy display of effort.

fair attempt

Implies an unbiased and just level of effort.

adequate undertaking

Indicates that the effort was sufficient for the purpose.

noteworthy exertion

Emphasizes the remarkable and significant nature of the effort.

meritorious deed

Highlights the deserving and praiseworthy aspect of the action.

worthwhile endeavor

Suggests that the effort was valuable and beneficial.

FAQs

What does "decent effort" mean?

The phrase "decent effort" means a satisfactory or acceptable level of work or exertion put into something. It suggests that the attempt was reasonably good, even if not exceptional.

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

You can use "decent effort" to describe someone's attempt. For example, "Despite the challenges, the team made a "decent effort" to complete the project on time."

Which is better, "decent effort" or "good effort"?

"Decent effort" and "good effort" are quite similar. "Good effort" might imply a slightly higher degree of satisfaction, but both convey a positive assessment of the attempt. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

What can I say instead of "decent effort"?

You can use alternatives like "reasonable attempt", "respectable attempt", or "commendable try", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.