decent length

USAGE SUMMARY

"decent length" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe how long or short something is, relative to an expected or acceptable norm. For example, you might say, "This book report is a decent length, so it should meet the assignment requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It's six hours, which is a decent length.

The Guardian - Sport

Use a decent length of thread so you can then stitch the flower to the water bottle cover.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

19th over: Ireland 111-7 (A Cusack 12, Jones 6) Expensive bowling from Cussack who struggled to find a decent length, particularly to Cummins.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a decent length and encourages a second play as you unlock the ability to find poetic memories hidden in the town.

The Guardian - Tech

Getting a decent length ball to leave Sylvester Jospeh off the seam and he cannot resist nibbling at a ball that kept on moving away from him.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a decent length of time and we're working with 3,000 prisoners, when 300 would normally be a big number for us.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

39th over: Canada 177-6 (Chumney 1, Dhaniram 14) Dhaniram looks like he can bat: there's two more through the covers off a decent-length ball from Bopara.

The Guardian - Sport

The larger ones in Sperone's front gallery might accommodate a decent-length ode, and they share a format novel even for this iconoclastic artist.

The New York Times - Arts

For a decent-length bracelet, you'll need about 30 pieces.

WikiHow

Schedule a decent-length interview and ask that every person in the household be present so that you can get to know one another before you move in.

WikiHow

This system is compact, light, simple to manufacture and can provide decent travel length.

Robotics and Biomimetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "decent length". While acceptable in most contexts, more formal writing may benefit from precise measurements or specific adjectives.

Common error

Avoid using "decent length" in highly formal or technical documents where precise measurements or more specific adjectives are preferred. For example, use "adequate" or provide exact measurements instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent length" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically describing the size or duration of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It indicates that the length is acceptable or satisfactory, though not necessarily exceptional. Examples include "a decent length of time" and "a decent length campaign".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

26%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decent length" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe something that is of an acceptable or satisfactory size or duration, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While appropriate for various contexts, including news, media, and general writing, it may be less suitable for formal or technical documents requiring precise measurements. Related phrases include "reasonable length", "adequate length", and "satisfactory length". It's crucial to consider the audience and context when using "decent length" to ensure clarity and appropriateness. The primary function is to provide a general assessment without needing specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate length

Direct synonym, emphasizing sufficiency.

good length

Direct synonym, simply indicating a positive assessment of the length.

sufficient length

Emphasizes that the length is enough for a particular purpose.

reasonable length

Implies the length is fair and justifiable, similar to "decent length".

acceptable length

Highlights that the length is within acceptable limits.

fair length

Suggests a length that is equitable and reasonable.

satisfactory length

Focuses on meeting a required standard, similar to the adequacy suggested by "decent length".

respectable length

Indicates the length is notably good or considerable.

moderate length

Implies a length that is neither too short nor too long.

passable length

Implies the length barely meets the minimum requirement.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent length" to describe an object's size or duration when it meets expectations without being particularly long. For example, "The movie was a "decent length", not too short and not too long."

What are some alternatives to "decent length"?

Some alternatives include "reasonable length", "adequate length", or "satisfactory length", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "decent length" or "good length"?

"Decent length" and "good length" are largely interchangeable. "Decent" may imply meeting a minimum standard, while "good" is a more general positive descriptor.

In what contexts is "decent length" most appropriate?

"Decent length" is appropriate in general writing and conversation. More formal or technical contexts might require more precise language.