decent young man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent young man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a young man who is considered to have good character or morals. Example: "Everyone in the community agrees that he is a decent young man, always willing to help others in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"John was always a decent young man," the lawyer said.

The New York Times

We were here because a decent young man, with his grandmother's sense of duty and his mother's warm heart, had fallen in love with a sweet young woman.

Independent

Brooks Atkinson wrote in The Times that "as a decent young man horrified to find himself a common criminal, Warren Stevens gives a fine, reticent performance".

The New York Times

The lawyer, Neil S. Ruskin, also said Mr. Russo, whom he called "a very, very decent young man," was "threatened and intimidated by the police".

The New York Times

wholestoryaudio.co.uk £24.99 11hrs 30mins Patrick, an ordinary, decent young man in a boarding house, does an extraordinary thing he can't explain: he kills another man.

The Guardian - Books

In an e-mail to The New York Times, Mr. Khadr's military lawyer, Lt. Col. Jon Jackson, said he planned to tell the sentencing panel that his client is a "decent young man" who "deserves a first chance at a meaningful life".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Justin Rouse QC, for Jones, said both defendants were "outstanding and decent young men".

The Guardian

"Some of them are probably decent young men who have been badly led astray".

The New York Times

The Redbury, he adds, is "designed to cater to creative people" in various fields, "people like me and people like the Rubens," whom he praises as "five every decent young men from Australia, very talented".

The New York Times

The two decent young men who opened the restaurant remained decent throughout, if numbed by how hard it has been to support their families with a business that has grossed, consistently, two million dollars per year.

The New Yorker

The princesses ditch their chaperones and discover champagne, buses, crowds, pubs, the reasons normal people carry money, the working class, spontaneity, predatory old men who spike your drinks, and decent young men with chips on their shoulders.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "decent young man", ensure the context aligns with its positive connotation. It implies a person of good character and morals, so reserve it for situations where those qualities are relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "decent young man" in contexts that are already heavily laden with sentimentality or cliché. Overusing it can make your writing sound insincere or contrived.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent young man" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, modifying the noun "man". It serves to attribute specific qualities of character and morality to the individual being described. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decent young man" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a young man of good character. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in written English. It functions as a descriptive phrase, conveying a positive assessment of someone's morality and behavior. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a range of writing styles. While alternatives like "upstanding young man" or "honorable young man" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. Remember to use "decent young man" in appropriate contexts, avoiding overuse in overly sentimental situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upstanding young man

Emphasizes moral rectitude and adherence to societal norms.

honorable young man

Highlights integrity and ethical behavior.

respectable young man

Focuses on the young man's standing in the community and adherence to social expectations.

good young man

A more general term indicating positive qualities.

virtuous young man

Stresses moral excellence and purity.

moral young man

Highlights the adherence to moral principles.

principled young man

Emphasizes the importance of strong beliefs and values.

admirable young man

Focuses on qualities that inspire respect and approval.

worthy young man

Implies deservingness of respect and praise.

honest young man

Highlights the trait of truthfulness and integrity.

FAQs

How can I use "decent young man" in a sentence?

You can use "decent young man" to describe someone who is honest, respectful, and possesses good moral qualities. For example, "He was raised to be a "decent young man", always helping those in need".

What are some alternatives to "decent young man"?

Some alternatives include "upstanding young man", "honorable young man", or "respectable young man". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "decent young man" in formal writing?

Yes, "decent young man" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing someone's character in a positive light. However, consider alternatives like "honorable young man" for even more formal contexts.

What does it mean when someone is described as a "decent young man"?

It typically implies that the person is considered to be of good moral character, honest, and generally well-behaved. It's a compliment suggesting the individual possesses positive qualities.