he is decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is decent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone as being morally good, acceptable, or satisfactory in behavior or character. Example: "Despite his flaws, I believe he is decent and always tries to do the right thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Yet he is decent and sincerely anxious about British democracy.

The Economist

He is decent, intelligent and a good listener.

The Economist

He is decent, thoughtful and can dribble, rebound and shoot.

The New York Times - Sports

But out of it, he is decent, hard working, gentle.

The New York Times - Arts

"He is decent and professional," Mr Putin told journalists in 1999.

The Economist

He is decent and likeable enough, both critics and some supporters agree.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He's decent and hard-working.

The New York Times - Magazine

He's decent, he's kind, he's good.

The Washington Post

He's decent enough at playing football.

The Guardian - Sport

He was decent, he was kind, he was honest.

The Guardian

"Big Ben, I think he's decent at best.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is decent", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific quality you're highlighting, such as moral integrity, kindness, or general trustworthiness.

Common error

While "he is decent" is acceptable, it can sound understated in formal writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "he is honorable" or "he is a person of integrity" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is decent" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a positive quality to a male individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and used to indicate that someone possesses good moral character or is generally acceptable in behavior. This aligns with various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is decent" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression used to positively characterize a male subject, according to Ludwig AI. While it conveys basic moral goodness, it can be considered understated for formal contexts. Its communicative purpose involves expressing approval, and the phrase maintains a generally neutral register. While used correctly, it is always recommendable to keep in mind if the message has to be emphasized further or not. Also as Ludwig examples show, the most frequent source is News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is a good person

This alternative directly states the person's moral character.

he is of good character

Uses a more formal way to describe a person's moral qualities.

he has integrity

Highlights the person's honesty and strong moral principles.

he is respectable

Focuses on the idea that the person is worthy of respect.

he is honorable

Highlights the person's integrity and adherence to ethical principles.

he is morally sound

Highlights the absence of moral corruption or flaws.

he is principled

Emphasizes that the person follows a clear set of moral principles.

he is upright

Emphasizes moral rectitude and adherence to principles.

he is virtuous

Stresses the person's high moral standards and ethical behavior.

he is fair-minded

Focuses on the person's impartiality and justness.

FAQs

How can I use "he is decent" in a sentence?

You can use "he is decent" to describe someone who is morally good or acceptable. For example, "Despite his flaws, I believe "he is decent" and always tries to do the right thing."

What are some alternatives to saying "he is decent"?

Alternatives include phrases like "he is respectable", "he is a good person", or "he is honorable". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "he is decent" or "he is a decent man"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "He is a decent man" is slightly more emphatic, while "he is decent" is more concise.

What does it mean to describe someone as "decent"?

Describing someone as "decent" generally means they are morally upright, kind, and trustworthy. It implies a basic level of goodness and respectability.