decent score

USAGE SUMMARY

'decent score' is an appropriate phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could use it in the sentence, "She got a decent score on her final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

BRANTLEY -- It's a decent score.

The New York Times

If the Cats kick a decent score I can't see Hawthorn matching it.

The Guardian - Sport

All in all it was a decent day, a decent score.

The Guardian - Sport

He needs to hold on here, because a decent score is beginning to go south.

The Guardian - Sport

And anything around even par this afternoon was a decent score".

The Guardian - Sport

They got stuck, and, despite Moeen Ali's sublime efforts, failed to post a decent score.

BBC

You're just trying to play fast, and you end up shooting a decent score.

The New York Times - Sports

Applicants are credit scored and you need a decent score to be accepted.

Independent

As well as victories, he could use a decent score over this weekend.

The New York Times - Sports

"The two needless run-outs hurt us in the middle, which cost us in terms of getting a decent score.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was a decent score, for as bad as I felt out there," said Woods, the defending tournament champion.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing performance in competitive settings like sports or academics, use "decent score" to indicate a result that is satisfactory but not necessarily outstanding. This provides a balanced assessment without overstating the achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "decent score" in highly formal reports or academic papers where more precise and descriptive language is expected. Instead, opt for alternatives like "satisfactory performance" or specific metrics to convey the result more professionally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent score" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "decent" modifies the noun "score". It's used to describe the quality of a result, assessment, or performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decent score" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a satisfactory but not outstanding result. As Ludwig AI verifies, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, though less formal. When writing, consider the context and audience; while "decent score" works well in general communication, more precise language may be required in formal settings. Alternatives like "respectable result" or "satisfactory performance" offer more formal options. Remember to use this phrase to provide a balanced and moderate assessment without overstating or understating the achievement. Ludwig's examples provide numerous real-world usages, confirming its relevance and adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectable result

Focuses on the outcome being worthy of respect or consideration.

acceptable mark

Emphasizes that the score meets a minimum standard or requirement.

satisfactory grade

Highlights the score's ability to meet expectations.

reasonable total

Indicates that the aggregate score is fair or moderate.

passable outcome

Suggests the result is just good enough to be considered successful.

adequate performance

Shifts the focus to the action leading to the score, implying it was sufficient.

fair number

Implies the score is balanced and just, neither exceptionally good nor bad.

moderate achievement

Indicates the accomplishment is average or within acceptable limits.

tolerable figure

Suggests the score is barely acceptable, though not ideal.

serviceable showing

Highlights that the performance was useful or adequate for its purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent score" to describe a result that is satisfactory but not exceptional, such as, "He achieved a "decent score" on the exam, which allowed him to pass the course."

What's a good alternative to "decent score"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "respectable result", "acceptable mark", or "satisfactory grade" to express a similar level of adequacy.

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

While "decent score" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more precise terms like "satisfactory performance" or specify the actual numerical score.

What does "decent score" imply about the quality of the performance?

"Decent score" suggests the performance was adequate and met the minimum requirements, but it wasn't necessarily outstanding. It implies a level of competence without exceptional achievement.