decent talk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent talk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a conversation that is reasonable, respectful, or of good quality. Example: "After a long day, I appreciate a decent talk with my friends over dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Verdict: Khan talks a decent talk on cycling, but some fear his heart is not in it.

The Guardian

I dialed the Florida number hoping for at least a few minutes of decent talk from Al Goldstein: porn legend, publisher of Screw, host of mostly-naked cable talk show Midnight Blue, candidate for Sheriff of Broward County, Florida and subject of a new documentary called Screwed.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That 2006 HBO documentary featured an interview with Mr. Rothman, who was also a decent talking head in "Sex at 24 Frames per Second," a Playboy Enterprises documentary about steamy movie scenes.

The New York Times - Arts

There has been too much talk of "bending the cost curve" and not enough talk about how a decent country should treat all of its citizens.

Huffington Post

"It was one of those endless practices and I had no one decent to talk to.

The New Yorker

"I've met hundreds of guys who have great stories about the night they shot bin Laden, but they're still a few workshops away from turning it into a decent TED talk".

The New Yorker

But after few decent auctions, the talk stopped and the parties started again.

The New York Times

For example, the community is doing a decent job of talking about the dangers from climate change.

The New York Times

We're talking decent singing voice and minimal playing in the verse.

The Guardian - Music

He remembers Lennon, who signed an album for him hours before the shooting, as a "very cordial and very decent man" and talks about how he almost didn't go through with the murder: I did try to tell myself to leave.

The New York Times

This participant did not find the NN nice to talk to, as she brought bad information, but on the other hand the participant found the NN to be a decent and knowledgeable person.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent talk" to describe conversations that are not only polite and respectful but also substantive and meaningful, contributing positively to understanding or resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "decent talk" solely to describe polite exchanges that lack substance. The phrase implies a level of meaningful engagement beyond mere courtesy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent talk" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "talk". It describes the quality or nature of the conversation, indicating that it is of a satisfactory or respectable standard. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent talk" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe conversations of respectable quality. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is indeed correct and usable in written English. While found primarily in news and media, it denotes a meaningful and respectful exchange. Alternatives like "meaningful conversation" or "respectful dialogue" offer similar connotations. When employing this phrase, ensure it conveys a conversation that is not only polite but also substantively valuable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good conversation

Simplifies the phrase, replacing "decent" with "good" for a less nuanced but equally understandable meaning.

meaningful conversation

Replaces the adjective "decent" with "meaningful", emphasizing the substance and impact of the conversation.

respectful dialogue

Substitutes "talk" with "dialogue" and "decent" with "respectful", highlighting the courteous nature of the exchange.

reasonable discussion

Replaces "talk" with "discussion" and "decent" with "reasonable", focusing on the logical and fair aspects of the conversation.

civil discourse

Uses "civil discourse" to underscore politeness and respect in the conversation, differing slightly in formality.

constructive conversation

Emphasizes the positive and productive outcome of the "talk", shifting the focus to its benefits.

worthwhile discussion

Focuses on the value and importance of the exchange, rather than its inherent quality.

sensible conversation

Highlights the practicality and rationality of the "talk", implying a logical approach.

productive exchange

Shifts the focus from the nature of the "talk" to its output and usefulness.

fair exchange

Indicates impartiality and equity in the "talk", suggesting a balance of perspectives.

FAQs

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

You can use "decent talk" to describe a conversation that is reasonable, respectful, or of good quality. For example, "After a long day, I appreciate a "decent talk" with my friends over dinner."

What can I say instead of "decent talk"?

You can use alternatives like "meaningful conversation", "respectful dialogue", or "reasonable discussion" depending on the context.

Is "decent talk" formal or informal?

The phrase "decent talk" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, more precise language might be preferred.

What's the difference between "decent talk" and "good talk"?

While both phrases suggest a positive conversation, ""decent talk"" implies a level of substance, respect, and meaningful exchange, whereas "good talk" can refer to any pleasant conversation, regardless of depth.