decent hours

USAGE SUMMARY

'decent hours' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an adequate or reasonable amount of time that should be spent on something. For example, "Working decent hours is important for maintaining a healthy work/life balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

On the whole, people want to be treated fairly, work decent hours and be paid reasonably well for their efforts.

The Guardian - Opinion

As if it were so easy to find a job with decent hours that would pay me more than $3.28 an hour.

The New York Times

Oh, what most working Americans would give for steady jobs with health and retirement plans, paid sick and vacation days and decent hours.

The New York Times

We have the wrong kind of recovery with the wrong kind of jobs – we need to create far more living wage jobs, with decent hours and permanent contracts".

The Guardian - Money

I would need somewhere close, with decent hours.

BBC

Working decent hours and doing great work, in contrast, will get you a raise.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

To Rise Again at a Decent Hour.

The Economist

But they were usually able to leave at a decent hour.

The New Yorker

His third book, To Rise Again at a Decent Hour, is about to be published.

The Guardian - Books

Joshua Ferris's latest novel is To Rise Again at a Decent Hour (Penguin).

The Guardian - Books

Happily, To Rise Again at a Decent Hour finds a way to reconcile his talent and his ambition.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing job benefits or working conditions, use "decent hours" to convey a sense of fairness and work-life balance. For example, "The company offers decent hours and competitive pay."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "decent hours" universally means a standard 9-to-5 schedule. The perception of what constitutes "decent hours" can vary significantly across different industries, job roles, and even cultural contexts. Always clarify specific hour expectations to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent hours" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. According to Ludwig, this expression is used to describe the adequacy or reasonability of working times.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decent hours" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term denoting reasonable and fair working or operating times. Ludwig AI confirms its usability for expressing the desirability of a balanced schedule. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it conveys the idea of satisfactory conditions concerning work-life balance. Related phrases include "reasonable working hours" and "fair work schedule". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding specific expectations, as interpretations may vary across industries and cultures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable working hours

Emphasizes the fairness and acceptability of the hours worked, often from the employee's perspective.

fair work schedule

Highlights the equitable distribution of work time, focusing on justice and impartiality.

manageable hours

Focuses on the ease and practicality of handling the workload within the given timeframe.

standard business hours

Refers to the typical operating times for businesses, implying a conventional schedule.

regular hours

Suggests a consistent and predictable work schedule, free from frequent changes or overtime.

appropriate work hours

Emphasizes the suitability of the hours for the type of work and the needs of the worker.

acceptable hours

Focuses on the bare minimum requirement to satisfy the task at hand.

practical schedule

Implies the work hours are designed for efficient and effective work output.

sustainable work hours

Highlights the ability to maintain the workload without burnout or negative impact on well-being.

livable hours

Focuses on the impact that hours of work has on personal life and wellbeing.

FAQs

What does "decent hours" mean in a job description?

The term "decent hours" generally implies that the job offers a work schedule that is considered reasonable and fair, allowing for a good work-life balance. It suggests the absence of excessive overtime or unpredictable shifts.

What are some synonyms for "decent hours"?

Alternatives to "decent hours" include "reasonable working hours", "fair work schedule", or "manageable hours", all of which suggest a balanced and acceptable work timetable.

How do I negotiate for "decent hours" during a job offer?

During negotiations, inquire about the typical work schedule, the frequency of overtime, and the possibility of flexible arrangements. Clearly communicate your needs and expectations regarding work hours to ensure a mutual understanding with the employer.

Why is having "decent hours" important for employees?

Having "decent hours" contributes to better employee well-being, reduced stress, and improved productivity. It allows employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention.