decent relation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent relation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is satisfactory or acceptable in quality or nature. Example: "Despite their differences, they maintained a decent relation throughout the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But he had a rich foundational impulse toward the emotions that make a decent relation between man and state possible.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ankara, which historically has maintained decent relations with Israel, has now chosen to distance itself in a very public way from Jerusalem for ideological and domestic political reasons.

The Washington Post

He says he's on friendly terms with a couple of the prominent researchers and has "moderately decent relations" with most of the others.

The Washington Post

The only senior official to forge decent relations with Karzai was Stanley McChrystal, the four-star commander in Kabul, who resigned after his staff's scathing remarks about the White House became public.

The New York Times - Books

Among the biggest: walking the delicate line between maintaining decent relations with the superpower next door and strengthening ties with Washington; and dramatically curbing corruption and changing an educational system the Harvard study described as abysmal.

The New York Times

While Wooster at first had decent relations with the community, he took a number of steps that caused the local population to come to dislike the American military presence.

Wikipedia

It didn't make dollars and sense to wage war against Germany and Japan, so instead I initiated a "lend-lease" program to subsidise their military efforts and focused on maintaining decent relations with both countries.

Vice

It didn't make dollars and sense to wage war against Germany and Japan, so instead I initiated a "lend-lease" program to subsidize their military efforts and focused on maintaining decent relations with both countries.

Vice

Mr. Hostetter, the Smithfield spokesman, said the company had "a history of very decent labor relations".

The New York Times

Somehow, we need to find a way to build decent minority relations in multicultural societies without, on the one hand, treating minority political and ideological commitments as beyond criticism, or, on the other hand, simply declaring open season on those who hold to politics and ideologies we don't like.

The Guardian - Opinion

You'd see the tip of an iceberg, and you'd have no idea why people were using this little island to do this kind of stuff.... "Tell your fucking son to watch out, he's next" My primary function was to try and maintain decent working relations with this guy despite the fact that he had an abysmal human rights record, and despite his dealings with the Mafia.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions between individuals or entities, use "decent relation" to convey a sense of mutual respect and functional, though possibly not ideal, interaction. Avoid using it to describe very close or intimate relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "decent relation" when you intend to convey a strong, positive bond. This phrase suggests adequacy rather than admiration or deep connection. Instead, opt for phrases like "close relationship" or "strong bond" to express more profound connections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent relation" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes the quality of a relationship, suggesting that it is adequate or acceptable, according to Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decent relation" is grammatically sound but relatively rare. Ludwig indicates that it's used to describe relationships that are satisfactory but not necessarily exceptional. The phrase appears in news, academic writing and on wikis, suggesting a fairly neutral register. To enhance your writing, consider that other alternatives such as "satisfactory relation" or "acceptable connection" may be more suitable depending on the specific context. Remember, "decent relation" sets a bar of adequacy rather than excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satisfactory relation

Emphasizes the adequacy and acceptability of the relationship.

respectable relationship

Highlights the positive regard and esteem associated with the relationship.

acceptable connection

Focuses on the permissibility and suitability of the bond.

reasonable association

Suggests a logical and justifiable link between parties.

appropriate rapport

Stresses the suitability and harmony in the relationship.

suitable alliance

Highlights the fit and compatibility within the partnership.

fair understanding

Emphasizes equity and mutual comprehension in the relationship.

tolerable affiliation

Implies endurance and acceptance in the association.

passable terms

Underscores the manageability and workability of the relationship.

workable dynamics

Suggests the functional nature of the interactions within the relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent relation" to describe a relationship that is satisfactory or acceptable, though not necessarily excellent. For example: "Despite their differences, they maintained a decent relation throughout the project."

What are some alternatives to "decent relation"?

Alternatives include "satisfactory relation", "acceptable connection", or "reasonable association" depending on the specific context.

Is "decent relation" a formal or informal phrase?

"Decent relation" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more expressive or specific alternatives might be preferred in very formal writing. It's more common in neutral or slightly formal settings.

What's the difference between "decent relation" and "good relationship"?

"Decent relation" implies an adequate or satisfactory level of interaction, whereas "good relationship" suggests a more positive and beneficial connection. "Good relationship" implies stronger bonds and more positive interactions than "decent relation".