decent passages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent passages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe sections of text that are satisfactory or of acceptable quality. Example: "The book contains several decent passages that effectively convey the author's message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Forfar, to their credit, did enjoy some decent passages of play.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

With Motherwell determined to turn some decent passages of play into something more tangible, Newell picked up the ball on the right, powered towards the box and flashed the ball just wide on the angle.

BBC

Even after a decent passage of time, he has little to say about what went on at the notorious black sites, the prisons where terror detainees were subjected to "enhanced interrogation", including waterboarding.

The Economist

Simon Hughes: I always believe there's an opportunity for people to come back - that's my presumption - and if he wanted to do that and a decent passage had passed, that would be an option.

The Guardian

Shortly after a decent passage of play, City grabbed a goal back.

BBC

The break and a chance for manager Steve Bruce to talk with his players did little to improve Hull's fortunes as they continued to struggle to put together a decent passage of play after the restart.

BBC

Maloney also manages a few half-decent passages about the exhilaration of flight: "There's an area.

The Guardian - Books

The Oregon proposal had lagged, but the Washington and Colorado measures were believed to have a decent chance of passage.

Huffington Post

The "bottom" of this inning is them coming to agreement on a compromise piece of legislation, which everyone thinks has a decent shot at passage in both houses.

Huffington Post

I'm bitterly disappointed, both in my ability to control involuntary muscles -- which any decent yogi can do -- and in my slow passage toward satori.

The New York Times - Tech

Eventually and inevitably, Combo goes too far, revealing the madness feeding his passion and in a moving coda, the essentially decent Shaun tries to come to terms with this unexpected rite of passage.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent passages" when referring to sections of writing or performance that are satisfactory but not necessarily exceptional. It implies a level of acceptability and competence.

Common error

Avoid using "decent passages" when the sections are truly outstanding or remarkable. Reserve it for cases where the quality is merely satisfactory or above average, as overusing it can diminish the impact of stronger praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent passages" functions as a descriptive term, where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "passages". It suggests that these sections are of acceptable quality. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent passages" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, primarily found in News & Media contexts. Ludwig confirms its validity. It serves to describe sections of text or performances that are satisfactory but not outstanding. While not exceptionally common, its use is straightforward and appropriate for conveying a sense of qualified approval. Related phrases include "satisfactory sections" and "respectable excerpts". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of acceptable quality without implying exceptional merit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satisfactory sections

Focuses on the adequacy of the parts.

acceptable segments

Highlights the acceptability of the parts.

respectable excerpts

Emphasizes the positive regard for the extracts.

competent portions

Stresses the skill or ability shown in the parts.

adequate fragments

Focuses on the sufficiency of the pieces.

passable segments

Highlights that segments are just good enough to pass.

reasonable sections

Implies that sections are fair and appropriate.

serviceable portions

Emphasizes that portions are good enough for practical use.

sufficient excerpts

Stresses that excerpts are enough to fulfill the purpose.

fairly good segments

Highlights the acceptable quality of segments.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "decent passages" in a sentence?

You can use "decent passages" to describe sections of text or performances that are of acceptable or satisfactory quality. For example: "The book contained a few "decent passages" that were quite insightful."

What are some alternatives to "decent passages"?

Some alternatives include "satisfactory sections", "acceptable segments", or "respectable excerpts". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "decent passages"?

Yes, "decent passages" is grammatically correct. The adjective "decent" appropriately modifies the noun "passages."

In what contexts might I use the phrase "decent passages"?

You might use "decent passages" in literary reviews, performance critiques, or general discussions about the quality of written or performed works. It's suitable when you want to acknowledge some merit without necessarily implying high praise.