generally decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally decent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is acceptable or satisfactory in a broad sense, without being exceptional. Example: "The restaurant's food was generally decent, though not outstanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Democracy is well-entrenched, with regular elections, a vibrant press, generally decent courts and strong institutions.

The Economist

The inhabitants are white, reserved, generally decent, and suspicious of new arrivals.

The New Yorker

Psychologists, in my experience, are generally decent sorts, so it's no surprise that they've suggested various ingenious ideas to help in the fight against poverty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They're generally decent, but can be safely ignored by anyone who already has a Spotify subscription or other preferred app or service.

The Guardian - Tech

The US dollar strengthened after generally decent economic out of America last night; some economists believe the Federal Reserve is closer to slowing its bond-buying stimulus programme.

The Guardian - Business

But they aren't meant even to speak to each other in a culture dominated by protective, well-meaning, generally decent, older brothers keen to set up "meetings" with a view to marriage.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Heavy oils in the Liaohe Basin contain very low amount of sulfur (generally < 0.3%), which cannot generate decent amount of H2S during thermal decomposition of heavy oil.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

On the other hand, Mophie focuses almost entirely on USB battery packs and smartphone battery cases — and that's quickly becoming a ridiculously crowded space, with competition from everything from no-name white label batteries handed out as conference swag, to affordable-but-generally-decent newcomers like Aukey and Anker, to Apple.

TechCrunch

Share prices are generally a decent guide and, with exceptions like Dixons Carphone, they're weak.

The Guardian - Business

In contrast to the 1990s, when many blue-chip firms went on a spending binge, big firms were generally in decent financial shape going into the crunch.

The Economist

Piazza said the replays yesterday showed that he was generally making decent throws and that if he could continue doing so, he would throw out some runners.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generally decent" when you want to convey that something is acceptable or satisfactory without being exceptional. It's suitable for describing things that meet a basic standard but don't necessarily stand out.

Common error

Avoid using "generally decent" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and sophisticated language is expected. Opt for more specific adjectives to convey the desired level of quality or acceptability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally decent" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun, indicating a level of quality that is acceptable but not exceptional. Ludwig AI shows it often describes conditions, qualities, or performances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally decent" serves as a useful qualifier, indicating a level of acceptability that doesn't necessarily imply excellence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, though its frequency of use is only uncommon. It's most prevalent in "News & Media", suggesting it is a preferred phrase to provide balanced assessments without strong endorsement. Related alternatives like "reasonably good" or "fairly satisfactory" can offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations. When using "generally decent", it's best suited for neutral contexts and avoided in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language may be required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decent enough

Focuses on meeting a basic standard of decency or acceptability.

Reasonably good

Emphasizes an acceptable level of quality without implying exceptional merit.

Fairly satisfactory

Highlights that the level of satisfaction is moderate, not outstanding.

Pretty good

Offers a slightly more positive assessment, suggesting a higher degree of satisfaction.

Acceptable enough

Suggests that the subject meets the minimum requirements or expectations.

Moderately adequate

Indicates that the subject fulfills its purpose to a reasonable extent.

Passably good

Conveys that the subject is just good enough to pass or be accepted.

All right

Indicates a basic level of acceptability, often with a hint of reservation.

Serviceable

Highlights the functional aspect, implying that the subject is adequate for its intended purpose.

Tolerable

Suggests that the subject is barely acceptable but can be endured.

FAQs

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

You can use "generally decent" to describe something that is moderately good or acceptable. For example, "The food at the restaurant was "generally decent", but nothing special."

What's the difference between "generally decent" and "very good"?

"Generally decent" suggests something is acceptable and meets a basic standard, while "very good" implies a higher level of quality and excellence. "Generally decent" is less enthusiastic than "very good".

Which is more formal, "generally decent" or "adequate"?

"Adequate" is typically considered more formal than "generally decent". While both indicate acceptability, "adequate" is often used in more formal or technical contexts. "Generally decent" has a neutral tone and may fit informal contexts.

What are some synonyms for "generally decent"?

Some synonyms for "generally decent" include "reasonably good", "fairly satisfactory", and "moderately adequate". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.