decent offer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent offer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is considered to be a reasonable or appropriate amount, especially when making a deal or arrangement with someone. For example, "I'm looking for a decent offer on this car before I agree to sell it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Andersen has made a decent offer," Mr. Bowman said.

The New York Times

He admits he would consider a wrestling comeback if a decent offer came along.

The New York Times

The company faced a choice between acquiring market muscle via acquisitions or accepting a decent offer.

The Guardian - Business

If you wave a decent offer, your target is usually obliged to give you a hearing.

The Guardian - Business

"Until the last minute," Mr. Kim said, "I was still waiting for some decent offer.

The New York Times

"We had a decent offer, whether we get decent offers in for other players remains to be seen.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"There are some pretty decent offers on the table," he said.

The New York Times

But the Telegraph reports (third item) that "the couple have received no decent offers and are being urged by their estate agents to reduce the price"—a familiar refrain in Spain these days.

The New York Times

It would have to be decent offers and it would have to be beneficial for St Johnstone".

BBC

That is not to say they will accept the first half-decent offer.

The Guardian - Sport

In practice, RBS was ready to sell as soon as possible if Heineken could put a half-decent offer on the table.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent offer" to convey that something is reasonably good or acceptable, but not necessarily exceptional. It sets a realistic expectation.

Common error

Don't use "decent offer" when you mean the most advantageous or superior proposition. "Decent" implies adequacy, while "best" suggests unmatched value. For example, instead of saying "This is the decent offer", say "This is the "best offer"" if it truly is the most favorable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent offer" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "offer". Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct. It often acts as the object of a verb, as seen in examples like 'waiting for some "decent offer"'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent offer" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a proposition that is reasonably fair or acceptable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in academic and formal business contexts. It’s important to remember that a "decent offer" implies adequacy, not superiority, and should not be confused with a ""best offer"". When evaluating offers, consider both immediate and long-term implications. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "reasonable proposition" or "fair proposal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable proposition

Replaces 'offer' with a more formal synonym 'proposition' and 'decent' with 'reasonable', highlighting fairness.

fair proposal

Substitutes 'offer' with 'proposal', implying a formal suggestion or plan, and 'decent' with 'fair', stressing impartiality.

acceptable bid

Uses 'bid' instead of 'offer' suggesting a competitive scenario, and 'acceptable' for 'decent', indicating it meets minimum requirements.

worthwhile suggestion

Replaces 'offer' with 'suggestion', softening the proposition, and 'decent' with 'worthwhile', emphasizing value.

respectable submission

Alters 'offer' to 'submission', implying a formal document, and 'decent' to 'respectable', indicating social acceptance.

satisfactory terms

Shifts focus to the 'terms' of the offer, describing them as 'satisfactory', implying they meet expectations.

appropriate arrangement

Changes 'offer' to 'arrangement', focusing on the agreement, and 'decent' to 'appropriate', signifying suitability.

suitable agreement

Replaces 'offer' with 'agreement', emphasizing mutual consent, and 'decent' with 'suitable', highlighting the fit for purpose.

good deal

A more informal alternative, replacing 'decent offer' with a common expression for a beneficial arrangement.

competitive rate

Focuses on the financial aspect, suggesting the offer involves a price that is competitive in the market.

FAQs

What does "decent offer" mean?

A "decent offer" refers to a proposition that is considered fair, reasonable, or acceptable, though not necessarily the best possible. It implies a satisfactory level of value or terms.

What are some synonyms for "decent offer"?

Alternatives to "decent offer" include "reasonable offer", "fair proposal", or "acceptable bid". The choice depends on the context and level of formality.

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

You can use "decent offer" in a sentence like: "The company made a "decent offer" to settle the lawsuit" or "I'm waiting for a "decent offer" before I sell my car."

What's the difference between a "decent offer" and a "generous offer"?

A "decent offer" suggests something is adequate and acceptable, whereas a "generous offer" implies it exceeds expectations and is particularly beneficial. A generous offer is more favorable than a "decent offer".