decent person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is considered to be a good, kind, and ethical individual. Here is an example sentence: "I have known John for many years, and he has always been a decent person who is always willing to help others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was a decent person.

The New Yorker

He's a fundamentally decent person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No decent person wants this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Smith is a decent person, I'm sure.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He is a nice, decent person.

The Guardian

He's just a good, decent person.

The Guardian - Film

"He's such a quiet, decent person".

The New York Times - Sports

He's a decent person and a good journalist.

The New York Times

It also makes her a very decent person.

The New York Times - Books

What else is a decent person to do?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Any decent person... will experience shock, revulsion and incredulity".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent person" when you want to convey that someone possesses basic moral qualities and treats others with respect and fairness.

Common error

While "decent person" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "good person" or "honorable person" to add depth and precision to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent person" functions primarily as a noun phrase used adjectivally to describe an individual. It is employed to denote someone possessing a basic level of morality, respectability, and ethical behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

20%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decent person" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone with basic moral qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the numerous examples demonstrate its widespread usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While synonyms like "good person" or "honorable person" offer alternative nuances, "decent person" remains a reliable and widely understood expression for indicating someone's ethical character. Remember to use it thoughtfully and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good person

Emphasizes general goodness and morality.

upright individual

Highlights integrity and moral rectitude.

honorable person

Suggests adherence to a code of honor and ethical conduct.

moral character

Focuses on the possession of a sound moral compass.

ethical individual

Emphasizes adherence to ethical principles and standards.

principled person

Highlights the presence of strong moral principles.

virtuous person

Implies a high degree of moral excellence and righteousness.

respectable person

Focuses on societal perception and adherence to social norms.

fair individual

Emphasizes impartiality and just behavior.

kindhearted soul

Highlights compassion and empathy.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent person" to describe someone who is generally good, kind, and ethical. For example, "Despite their differences, they recognized that he was a "decent person" at heart."

What are some alternatives to saying "decent person"?

Alternatives to "decent person" include "good person", "honorable person", "ethical individual", or "upright individual". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "decent person" and "good person" are acceptable, but "decent" often implies a basic level of morality and respectability, while "good" can suggest a higher level of moral virtue. The choice depends on the specific context.

What qualities typically define a "decent person"?

A "decent person" is typically characterized by qualities such as honesty, fairness, kindness, respect for others, and a general adherence to ethical principles. They are generally considered to be well-behaved and considerate.