decent game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent game" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a game that is satisfactory or acceptable in quality, often implying that it is enjoyable but not exceptional. Example: "The graphics were not the best, but overall, it was a decent game that kept me entertained for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, eventually, a decent game of football.

The Guardian - Sport

"I finally had a decent game.

The New York Times - Sports

You can't have a decent game without two.

The New York Times

We played a decent game but not our game yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

Unless you'd like to see a decent game in Sydney.

The Guardian - Sport

Messier said: "We had a decent game going.

The New York Times - Sports

"Considering the conditions, it was a decent game.

The New York Times - Sports

Giambi, who is batting just.210, had a decent game.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, it's turned into a decent game now.

The Guardian - Sport

It takes a certain imagination to make a decent game out of a fixture with us.

Independent

"I felt I did pretty good and had a decent game," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent game" when you want to convey that a game is enjoyable and meets a certain standard of quality without being exceptional. It's a good way to describe a game that's worth playing but not necessarily groundbreaking.

Common error

Avoid using "decent game" when the game is either significantly better or worse. If the game is truly outstanding, use adjectives like "amazing", "exceptional", or "brilliant". If it's subpar, consider terms like "mediocre", "lackluster", or "poor". "Decent" is best for games that are just above average.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent game" functions as an attributive adjective modifying the noun "game". It describes the quality or standard of the game being referred to. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent game" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a game that is satisfactory or acceptable but not exceptional. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as an attributive adjective, used across neutral and sometimes leaning informal registers. Predominantly found in News & Media and Sports contexts, it conveys a subjective assessment of the game's quality. Alternatives include "good game" or "respectable game", each offering slightly different nuances. Ludwig emphasizes the phrase's appropriateness for describing games that meet a reasonable standard without being outstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good game

Replaces "decent" with a more common and general term for positive quality, indicating a satisfactory experience.

respectable game

Emphasizes the game's adherence to certain standards or its avoidance of negative qualities.

satisfactory game

Highlights that the game meets a minimum level of expectation or requirement.

adequate game

Similar to "satisfactory" and "acceptable", suggesting the game is sufficient but not necessarily exceptional.

acceptable game

Focuses on the game being tolerable or passable, without necessarily being outstanding.

reasonable game

Indicates that the game is fair or moderate in quality, neither exceptional nor terrible.

worthwhile game

Suggests that playing the game offers some benefit or value, making it a worthwhile experience.

fair game

Implies that the game is balanced or unbiased, offering a level playing field for participants.

enjoyable game

Highlights the pleasure or entertainment derived from playing the game.

playable game

Emphasizes that the game is in a condition where it can be played without major issues or impediments.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe something as a "decent game"?

Calling something a "decent game" implies that it's satisfactory or acceptable in quality. It suggests the game is enjoyable enough but not particularly outstanding or memorable. It meets a basic standard without being exceptional.

What can I say instead of "decent game" to describe a video game?

You can use alternatives like "good game", "respectable game", or "satisfactory game" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "decent game" in formal writing?

Yes, it's acceptable but leaning informal. For formal writing about games, consider alternatives like "satisfactory performance" or "respectable showing" to maintain a more professional tone. The phrase is commonly used in "news media".

How does "decent game" compare to "good game" in terms of intensity?

"Good game" is generally more positive and enthusiastic. "Decent game" suggests a more moderate level of approval, indicating that the game is fine or adequate but not necessarily amazing. Consider it a tier above "playable game".