decent students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent students" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe students who are satisfactory or acceptable in their behavior, performance, or character. Example: "The teacher was pleased to see that the class was filled with decent students who were eager to learn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In other words, they are decent students at schools where, to be a great student, you have to give up a lot more partying than they're willing to give up.

The New Yorker

Thus players cannot be paid beyond a scholarship and a small stipend, and they must be decent students (despite playing nearly 40 games a year in a schedule that disdains classes).

The Economist

In other words, they are decent students at schools where to be a great student you have to give up a lot more partying than they're willing to give up.

The Guardian

Decent students and teachers will continue to be plagued daily by "mildly" troublemaking students who are never removed from our midst long enough to accomplish what we are all there for: real learning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And I was a decent student.

The Guardian

Academically, he was "a decent student, but I really had no direction".

The New Yorker

He's a decent student of the game and intelligent enough to pick up things that you pass on.

The Guardian - Sport

And on the evidence of her new "Blush," she obviously absorbed (as any decent student would) a great deal of his approach and aesthetic.

The New York Times

To be honest, this revival is nothing more than a half-way decent student production, but on a balmy evening, Inchcolm weaves a strange magic.

The Guardian

This self-conscious observation, which any decent student would immediately underline, is one of many that brand Dastgir's novel as an example of the rapidly growing category of postcolonial literature.

The New York Times - Books

As any halfway decent student of the Garden City zoning code knows, Ordinance 200-56 clearly states, "A flagpole shall not be nearer to any street line than a distance at least equal to its height".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent students" when you want to convey that students meet an acceptable standard of behavior and academic performance, without necessarily implying exceptional talent.

Common error

While "decent students" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider synonyms like "respectable students" or "competent students" to add variety to your vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent students" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "students". It indicates a satisfactory level of behavior, performance, or character, as confirmed by Ludwig. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decent students" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically used to convey that students meet acceptable standards of behavior and academic performance. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase is found across various contexts, primarily in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides examples that highlight its effectiveness in describing students who are satisfactory without necessarily being exceptional. Be sure to consider the subtle nuances of its meaning when choosing it over alternatives like "respectable students" or "good students".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectable students

Replaces "decent" with a more formal synonym emphasizing good character and behavior.

satisfactory students

Focuses on students meeting a minimum standard of performance or behavior.

well-behaved students

Highlights the students' good conduct and adherence to rules.

average students

Indicates students who perform at the expected norm, without excelling or underperforming significantly.

competent students

Emphasizes that the students possess the required skills and knowledge.

adequate students

Suggests that the students meet the basic requirements but may not exceed expectations.

fair students

Emphasizes a moderate but acceptable level of academic performance or behavior.

passable students

Implies students barely meet the minimum requirements to pass.

ordinary students

Stresses the commonality and lack of exceptional qualities in the students.

typical students

Highlights the normalcy and representativeness of the students within a larger group.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent students" to describe a group of students who are well-behaved and perform adequately in their studies. For example, "The teacher was pleased with the "decent students" in her class".

What are some alternatives to "decent students"?

Alternatives to "decent students" include "respectable students", "satisfactory students", or "well-behaved students", depending on the specific context.

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

Both "decent students" and "good students" are acceptable, but they have slightly different connotations. "Good students" generally implies higher achievement, while "decent students" suggests satisfactory behavior and performance. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

What does it mean to describe someone as a "decent student"?

Describing someone as a "decent student" means they are generally well-behaved, respectful, and perform adequately in their studies. It implies they meet expectations without necessarily excelling.