decent examination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent examination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an evaluation or assessment that is satisfactory or acceptable in quality. Example: "The professor conducted a decent examination of the students' understanding of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is not fair if the nurse practitioner doesn't have a decent examination room.

BMC Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Be decent.

The New York Times

His goal kicking was decent on Saturday, although if he misses some crucial kicks he will come under examination because that's the nature of the role.

BBC

Decent odds.

The New Yorker

Decent conversationalist.

The New Yorker

We're decent people with decent values.

The New Yorker

"Earnings were decent — hooray!

The New York Times - Tech

"Decent bar etiquette, basically".

Independent

First, a decent spirit.

The New Yorker

Those were decent accomplishments.

The New York Times

Americans are decent people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent examination" when you want to convey that the assessment or evaluation meets a satisfactory or acceptable standard. It implies that the examination is neither exceptional nor substandard, but rather competent and adequate for its purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "decent" too frequently as a general qualifier, as it can dilute your writing. Instead of saying "decent examination", consider stronger, more precise adjectives like "thorough", "comprehensive", or "competent" to add more impact and clarity to your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent examination" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "examination". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The combination describes an examination or assessment that is satisfactory or acceptable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decent examination" is a grammatically sound way to describe an assessment or evaluation of acceptable quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not exceptionally common, it conveys a sense of adequacy and competence. Alternative phrases like "adequate assessment" or "satisfactory review" can be used depending on the specific context. It's important to avoid overusing "decent" as a general qualifier and to opt for more precise adjectives when appropriate. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a variety of professional and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate assessment

Replaces "decent" with "adequate", focusing on sufficiency rather than quality.

satisfactory review

Substitutes both words to convey a sense of acceptability.

competent evaluation

Emphasizes the skill and capability involved in the assessment.

thorough check-up

Focuses on completeness and detail in the examination.

reasonable inspection

Indicates that the examination was fair and logical.

acceptable audit

Highlights the formal and official nature of the examination.

suitable investigation

Implies an inquiry or detailed examination to uncover facts.

respectable screening

Suggests a process of filtering or selecting based on certain criteria.

passable vetting

Indicates a minimal level of acceptance after scrutiny.

fair assessment

Stresses the impartiality and justice of the evaluation.

FAQs

What does "decent examination" mean?

A "decent examination" refers to an evaluation or assessment that is satisfactory or acceptable in quality. It suggests that the examination meets a reasonable standard without necessarily being exceptional.

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

You might say, "The professor conducted a "decent examination" of the students' understanding of the material." This indicates that the professor's assessment was adequate and fair.

What are some alternatives to "decent examination"?

Alternatives include "adequate assessment", "satisfactory review", or "competent evaluation", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "decent examination" formal or informal?

"Decent examination" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise or technical terms might be preferred in highly formal settings.