decent reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence such as: "I'm not sure why we can't go to the beach today. Do you have a decent reason?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

For some, and presumably for Bill Shorten, that's a decent reason to increase excise.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was a decent reason for the fans to be in Davenport's corner more than Serena's yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not a decent reason to leave, but as the Dungeon Master hopes to teach us, the world is not a decent place to live.

The New Yorker

Yes, technology can save the economy the sustainable economy that is the only ethical, decent reason we have to load future generations with huge amounts of debt.

MIT Technology Review

Even if her parents did sometimes bend their own rules, trotting out references to Chelsea when it might be politically convenient, there was no decent reason to push them further.

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact, if you are not a hypocrite in this sense, if you cannot favor one side for no decent reason over the other, then you cannot enjoy sports at all.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

I am also "Facebook friends" with a bunch of people for absolutely no reason other than I can't find a decent enough reason to mildly offend them by their culling.

Huffington Post

But there is a growing sense that those explanations remain excuses rather than decent reasons.

The Economist

Stride says there are "decent" reasons why people use offshore trusts.

The Guardian

The eccentric ancestor who refused a fortune, out of stubbornness, or from other, hazier, essentially quite decent reasons.

The Guardian - Books

Inasmuch as the problems posed by everyday ethics are genuine dilemmas but do not allow the luxury of lengthy, careful analysis, decent people for decent reasons can reach opposing conclusions.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decent reason", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand why the reason is considered 'decent'. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "decent reason" as a vague placeholder. Always clarify why the reason is decent. For example, instead of "He left for a decent reason", specify: "He left to care for his ailing mother, which is a decent reason."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent reason" functions as a noun phrase, where 'decent' modifies the noun 'reason'. It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, providing justification or explanation for an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent reason" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to justify an action or decision with an explanation considered acceptable. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media sources. To ensure clarity, always contextualize why the reason is deemed 'decent'. Consider alternatives like ""valid justification"" or "good cause" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. With a high expert rating, "decent reason" stands as a reliable and versatile phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid justification

Emphasizes the legitimacy and supportability of the reason.

acceptable rationale

Highlights that the reason is satisfactory and permissible.

legitimate grounds

Focuses on the lawfulness and factual basis of the reason.

good cause

Suggests a morally sound and sufficient reason.

fair motive

Indicates that the reason is equitable and just.

plausible explanation

Highlights that the reason is believable and credible.

sound basis

Focuses on the solid and reliable foundation of the reason.

reasonable excuse

Implies that the reason is understandable and forgivable.

justifiable cause

Emphasizes that the reason can be defended and vindicated.

sufficient justification

Highlights that the reason is adequate and enough.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent reason" to explain or justify an action. For instance, "She declined the offer because she had a "better offer"", or "There was no "valid justification" for his behavior".

What's a less formal synonym for "decent reason"?

In informal contexts, you might use phrases like "good enough reason", "fair enough reason", or "good cause".

What is the difference between "decent reason" and "good reason"?

While similar, "decent reason" implies the reason is adequate or acceptable, while "good reason" suggests the reason is particularly strong or compelling.

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

Yes, "decent reason" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is clear and professional. However, consider whether a more specific term like "legitimate grounds" or ""valid justification"" might be more precise.