decent quality

USAGE SUMMARY

"decent quality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that is good, but not necessarily the best. For example, "The hotel had decent quality rooms for a reasonable price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Or you can use decent quality vanilla ice cream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Long-distance phone calls were of decent quality but expensive.

The New York Times

Or you can use decent quality strawberry sorbet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A high-definition video coprocessor ensured decent quality video, with very little pixilation.

The New York Times

(Today, a deck of decent quality bears a layer of dark "cartridge" paper within the cardboard).

The New York Times

"They are tasty and always of decent quality," said Lyudmila Miroshnychenko, from Kherson, southern Ukraine.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

They want to buy mixed lots of decent-quality items at extremely low prices.

The New York Times - Magazine

In a nearby record shop, most of the CDs by Western artists were decent-quality bootlegs.

The Guardian - Music

"This is not a short-term punt, but a decent-quality medium-to-long-term buy".

The New York Times

"I was a bit stunned by the lack of decent-quality stuff.

The Guardian - Tech

FreshDirect has its own bakery, but its decent-quality bread is shipped parbaked and frozen.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent quality" when you want to convey that something is good enough for its intended purpose without being overly luxurious or high-end.

Common error

Avoid using "decent quality" when describing something truly exceptional. It can undermine your message if the item or service is actually superior, as "decent" implies only moderate goodness. Choose stronger adjectives to reflect true excellence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent quality" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies possesses a level of quality that is acceptable or satisfactory. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

25%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent quality" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that meets a satisfactory standard without being exceptional. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's a versatile expression suitable for various contexts, although it might be perceived as informal in highly formal settings. Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Wiki sources highlights its widespread use, while its relatively lower frequency in academic and scientific contexts suggests a preference for more precise terminology. When choosing alternative phrases, consider the specific level of quality you intend to convey, opting for alternatives like "reasonable quality" or "acceptable quality" based on the nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable quality

Implies an acceptable standard, though potentially not outstanding.

acceptable quality

Suggests meeting a basic requirement without being exceptional.

satisfactory quality

Indicates a level of quality that fulfills expectations adequately.

fair quality

Suggests a quality that is average or slightly above average.

adequate quality

Highlights the sufficiency of the quality for a particular purpose.

good enough quality

Emphasizes that the quality meets the minimum requirements.

respectable quality

Implies the quality is worthy of esteem or regard.

serviceable quality

Suggests a quality that is functional and usable.

passable quality

Indicates a quality that is just good enough to be accepted.

moderate quality

Suggests a quality that is neither high nor low, but somewhere in between.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent quality" to describe products, services, or experiences that meet a satisfactory standard. For example, "The restaurant offers food of "decent quality" at affordable prices."

What's the difference between "decent quality" and "high quality"?

"Decent quality" suggests something is good enough or meets basic expectations, whereas "high quality" indicates something is superior or exceptional. Choose "decent" when you want to convey that something is acceptable without being the best.

What can I say instead of "decent quality"?

You can use alternatives like "reasonable quality", "acceptable quality", or "satisfactory quality" depending on the specific context and the level of quality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "decent quality" in formal writing?

While "decent quality" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as somewhat informal in certain contexts. In highly formal writing, consider using more precise and elevated terms like "satisfactory standard" or "acceptable grade" to convey a similar meaning with increased professionalism.