decent weather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent weather" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe weather conditions that are satisfactory or acceptable, neither too good nor too bad. Example: "We decided to go for a picnic since the forecast predicted decent weather for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

If it's decent weather we sail.

The New York Times

Mr. Richardson said he earned an average of $100 an hour in tips in decent weather.

The New York Times

And, he added, laughing, "We might get some decent weather, for a change".

The New York Times - Sports

The trucks needed at least a 13-hour window of decent weather for the return overland trip.

The New York Times

But not even the government can deliver what Cumbria needs to complete its recovery some decent weather.

The Economist

The Scottish galleries really know their golf, so if we can get some decent weather we should be in for another great week".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Hopefully, there'll be decent enough weather for me to have some friends round for a barbecue to celebrate, but the vital thing is that I believe I will be coming into my best years as a batsman.

Independent

I'd always wanted to go there – if you get half-decent weather, it's very busy.

The Guardian - Arts

Over the past two weeks of record-breaking success from Team GB, London revelling in its place in the world spotlight, and - whisper it - half-decent weather, it's all gone rather more swimmingly than anyone could have hoped.

The Guardian - Sport

Visitors to Helsinki were treated to a dose of decent summer weather this week.

The Guardian - Business

And what a win it was, an innings and plenty thumping of Hampshire in unseasonably decent Manchester weather.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning outdoor activities, use "decent weather" to manage expectations; it implies conditions are suitable but not necessarily perfect, allowing for flexibility if the weather changes slightly.

Common error

Avoid using "decent weather" when the weather is exceptionally good; phrases like "perfect weather" or "glorious sunshine" would be more appropriate to convey superior conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent weather" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "weather". According to Ludwig, it is generally correct and describes weather that is satisfactory or acceptable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decent weather" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe weather that is satisfactory without being exceptional. Ludwig confirms its usability and provides various examples from reputable sources, predominantly from the News & Media category. While not overly formal, it effectively communicates that weather conditions are adequate for planned activities. When writing about weather conditions, ensure that "decent weather" accurately reflects the situation, avoiding its use when conditions are either significantly better or worse than average.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acceptable weather

Emphasizes that the weather is just good enough, meeting the minimum requirements.

fair weather

Implies weather that is neither particularly good nor bad, but generally pleasant.

pleasant weather

Highlights the agreeable and enjoyable nature of the weather.

reasonable weather

Suggests that the weather conditions are moderate and not extreme.

tolerable weather

Indicates that the weather is bearable, though perhaps not ideal.

passable weather

Similar to tolerable, suggesting the weather is just good enough to get by.

serviceable weather

Implies the weather is adequate for outdoor activities or tasks.

mild weather

Focuses on the temperature being moderate and gentle.

okay weather

A more casual way to describe weather that is neither great nor terrible.

not bad weather

An informal expression indicating that the weather is better than expected.

FAQs

What does "decent weather" mean?

The term "decent weather" describes weather conditions that are satisfactory or acceptable, neither exceptionally good nor particularly bad. It suggests conditions are suitable for outdoor activities without being ideal.

What can I say instead of "decent weather"?

You can use alternatives like "acceptable weather", "fair weather", or "pleasant weather" depending on the specific context.

Is "decent weather" formal or informal?

"Decent weather" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, more formal situations might benefit from terms like "favorable conditions" or "acceptable climate".

How do you use "decent weather" in a sentence?

You might say, "We're planning a picnic, hoping for "decent weather" this weekend", or "The festival will proceed as long as there's "decent weather".".