decent with

USAGE SUMMARY

"decent with" is not a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
Instead, you could use "good with," "adept at," or "skilled in" to express someone's proficiency in a particular task or skill. Example: "She is good with numbers and can easily solve complex mathematical equations."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"You ought to do something decent with your hair".

The New Yorker

I have felt fairly decent with my game most of the year".

Independent

Lamb osso buco was merely decent, with risotto that suffered from an overdose of saffron.

The New York Times

I'm sure they're perfectly decent, with high mortgages, active libidos and play dates.

The New York Times - Arts

The red zone frustrations aside, the Jaguars' offense was decent, with 330 yards and 20 first downs.

The New York Times - Sports

Although the wine list is small, it is decent with good selections of white Burgundy and Champagne.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

With a SNR of 1, one cannot expect any decent recovery with less than N measurements.

BMC Systems Biology

Pay was decent -- with an average salary of about $85 a week in 1960, most of the men earned enough to buy a house on suburban Long Island.

The New York Times

We're decent people with decent values.

The New Yorker

A decent conversation with an educated man.

The New York Times

"We need to make sure there are decent jobs with decent wages".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, replace "decent with" with stronger and more precise alternatives such as "good at", "skilled in", or "proficient in" to enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "decent with" in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives that convey a higher level of expertise and competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent with" typically functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun to describe a basic level of competence or ability. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not always grammatically correct and suggests using alternatives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "decent with" is frequently used to indicate a basic level of competence, it is not always considered grammatically correct. Ludwig AI suggests it's better to opt for stronger, more precise alternatives like "good at" or "skilled in", especially in formal contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news articles and general content, implying a neutral to informal register. When you are looking for authoritative writing, consider using alternative phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good at

Focuses on skill or ability in a specific area, implying competence.

skilled in

Highlights expertise or proficiency in a particular skill or field.

proficient in

Emphasizes a high level of competence and expertise.

adept at

Suggests natural talent and skill in a particular area.

competent in

Indicates a satisfactory level of skill or ability.

capable of

Focuses on the ability to perform a specific action or task.

suitable for

Indicates appropriateness or fitness for a particular purpose.

qualified for

Highlights the possession of necessary qualifications or skills.

experienced in

Emphasizes practical knowledge and skill gained over time.

familiar with

Suggests knowledge and understanding of a particular subject or area.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "decent with"?

You can use alternatives like "good at", "skilled in", or "proficient in" depending on the context.

Is "decent with" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in informal contexts, "decent with" is not always considered grammatically correct in formal writing. It's often better to use more precise alternatives.

How can I use "good at" instead of "decent with"?

Replace "decent with" with "good at" to describe someone's skill or ability in a specific area. For example, instead of "He's decent with computers", say "He's good at using computers".

What's the difference between "decent with" and "skilled in"?

"Decent with" implies a basic level of competence, whereas "skilled in" suggests a higher level of expertise and proficiency. Use "skilled in" when you want to emphasize someone's mastery of a particular skill.