decent friend

USAGE SUMMARY

"decent friend" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is kind and reliable. For example, "I am lucky to have a decent friend like him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Decent wife (5), decent mum, decent friend.

The Guardian

Even if 18 years pass with a dad who doesn't seem very fatherly, your dad might become a decent friend to have as an adult.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Put a bunch of effort in at school, always keep yourself appearing beautiful and tidy, make decent, nice friends, and keep your room well organized and neat.

WikiHow

Any decent friends of Clegg's we haven't nicked?

The Guardian

We have always been decent friends, and I am not going to go off in a huff". "I will see the next few months through and give the matter a lot of thought.

The Guardian

I hope my future has good health in it and plenty of decent friends and family! photo credit: Seth Applebaum.

Huffington Post

Jewish bodies in Ireland defended Myers against the charge that he's an anti-Semite: of course he shouldn't be condemned; he's a veteran of the Irish media landscape, a bit of a wind-up merchant, but someone with respectable editors and thoroughly decent friends.

Vice

This is something I read vis-à-vis former porn star Crissy Moran, and is what you decide to do (I guess????) when you are a normie who had bad things happen to her and no good music or decent friends to help you through it.

Vice

Try to remember that you are the best, there is nothing wrong with you,but at this particular time you can't find a decent friends as you would like.

WikiHow

Mar?Leticia Hern?ez as the sensual young Rosa, whom young John almost marries, and Chris Lucier as Roger, Alma's decent childhood friend, were other standouts.

The New York Times

Most powerful, though, is likely to be people's discovery that they have perfectly decent gay friends, neighbours, even relatives.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "decent friend", consider specifying the qualities that make them so, such as their loyalty, trustworthiness, or empathy. Provide context to strengthen the description.

Common error

Avoid using "decent" as a catch-all term. Instead of just saying someone is a "decent friend", try to specify what makes them a good friend to add depth and meaning to your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent friend" functions as a descriptive term, modifying the noun "friend" with the adjective "decent". It indicates that the friend possesses positive qualities such as kindness, reliability, and honesty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decent friend" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a friend who is kind, reliable, and morally upright. While considered rare, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is accepted as a means of praising someone's positive qualities as a friend. Its usage spans across contexts such as News & Media and Wiki. For alternatives, you could consider phrases such as ""good friend"" or ""reliable confidant"" depending on the specific aspects of the friendship you wish to emphasize. To enhance your writing, specify the traits that make the friend "decent" rather than using "decent" as a generic term. Avoid just saying "decent", add what makes them a good friend to add depth and meaning to your description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good companion

Replaces "friend" with a term emphasizing companionship and shared experiences.

reliable confidant

Focuses on the trustworthiness and dependability aspect of the friendship.

trustworthy ally

Highlights the supportive and loyal nature of the friend.

dependable pal

Uses more informal terms to describe a friend who can be counted on.

loyal acquaintance

Emphasizes the steadfastness of the friendship, though "acquaintance" is less intimate than "friend".

true comrade

Suggests a strong bond of loyalty and shared purpose.

supportive colleague

Shifts the context to a professional setting, highlighting mutual aid and encouragement.

compassionate associate

Similar to "supportive colleague" but with an emphasis on empathy.

fair-weather friend

Presents the opposite of a "decent friend", referring to a friend who is only there in good times.

understanding peer

Highlights empathy and shared experiences between equals.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent friend" to describe someone who is kind, reliable, and supportive. For instance, "He's a "decent friend"; he always helps me when I'm in need."

What are some alternatives to saying "decent friend"?

Alternatives include "good friend", "reliable confidant", or "trustworthy ally", depending on the specific quality you want to emphasize.

Is it more common to say "decent friend" or "good friend"?

"Good friend" is more commonly used than "decent friend". "Decent friend" implies that the friend is kind and morally upright, whereas "good friend" is a more general term.

What does it mean when someone is described as a "decent friend"?

It suggests that the person is not only a friend but also possesses qualities like honesty, kindness, and reliability. It highlights their moral character and dependability.