decent skill

USAGE SUMMARY

"decent skill" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the level of competence someone has in a certain field or activity. For example, "He has a decent skill in playing the violin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This has been perfectly acceptable bowling from Zimbabwe, so far, decent skill, variation and control in general let down by poor catching and the too-frequent no balls.

The Guardian - Sport

always look for friends that have decent skill with an instrument and time for the band.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Grade: 4 Luke Sassano A big guy, with good speed and decent skills, but his rookie pedigree is still showing.

The New York Times

We must prioritise education, a lifelong national education service for decent skills and opportunities, abolishing student fees, restoring grants and funding adult skills training.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not that they're a star player, but they have decent skills, and they will get you the ball and then be where you'd expect to put it back to them.

The New York Times

Georgie Kean is an ambitious young Islington welterweight with decent skills, and he reckoned a move across the Thames to Adam Booth's camp was what he needed after only three pro fights.

The Guardian - Sport

I do have a royalty account, some decent skills and, apparently, a lot of human capital.

Huffington Post

Once I got decent skills in that field, I started experimenting, learning by doing and creating real projects that turned into my current career.

Huffington Post

One of his former teammates Lee Bullock said he was "a winger who looks like he's got some decent skills" while Paul Carden, his assistant manager at Cambridge United, said: "You can see he's an intelligent player and very quick... he catches the eye because he can go past people and is good with the ball at his feet".

Wikipedia

If you have decent skills and don't snake waves, aren't a pest, you'll do fine.

WikiHow

"Anybody with any decent surfing skill can grab a rope and tow into a large wave.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "decent skill" to indicate they are competent without being exceptional. For instance, "She has a "decent skill" in project management, making her a reliable team member."

Common error

Avoid using "decent skill" when the individual possesses exceptional abilities. Instead, reserve "decent skill" for situations where competence is adequate but not outstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent skill" functions as a pre-modified noun phrase, where the adjective "decent" qualifies the noun "skill". It describes the level or quality of a particular skill, indicating that it is adequate or satisfactory. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent skill" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an adequate or satisfactory level of competence. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is suitable for describing competence without being exceptional. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While there are several alternatives, such as "reasonable skill" and "adequate skill", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the individual's skill level and avoid overstating their abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable skill

Replaces "decent" with "reasonable", suggesting a moderate level of competence.

adequate skill

Substitutes "decent" with "adequate", implying just enough skill for a particular purpose.

satisfactory skill

Uses "satisfactory" instead of "decent", indicating a level of skill that meets expectations.

competent skill

Replaces "decent" with "competent", highlighting the ability to perform a task effectively.

good enough skill

Uses "good enough" to convey a level of skill that is sufficient for a specific requirement.

passable skill

Replaces "decent" with "passable", suggesting a skill level that is just acceptable.

fair skill

Substitutes "decent" with "fair", indicating a skill level that is average or moderate.

moderate skill

Uses "moderate" to describe a skill level that is neither exceptional nor inadequate.

serviceable skill

Replaces "decent" with "serviceable", implying a skill that is sufficient for practical use.

acceptable skill

Substitutes "decent" with "acceptable", suggesting a skill level that is satisfactory but not outstanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent skill" to describe someone's adequate ability in a particular area. For example, "He has a "decent skill" in coding, allowing him to handle basic programming tasks."

What are some alternatives to saying "decent skill"?

You can use alternatives like "reasonable skill", "adequate skill", or "satisfactory skill" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Decent skill" implies a moderate level of competence, while "good skill" suggests a higher level of proficiency. The choice depends on the actual level of ability you want to describe.

In what contexts is "decent skill" most appropriate?

"Decent skill" is suitable in contexts where you want to acknowledge competence without implying exceptional talent. It's commonly used in general discussions or when assessing basic capabilities.