if it is decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it is decent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the quality or appropriateness of something, often in a conditional context. Example: "I will attend the party if it is decent and not too crowded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If it is decent, they take it.

Forbes

If it is decent, and you are behind, you go for the green with your second.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If it's decent weather we sail.

The New York Times

Even President Nicolas Sarkozy, usually averse to abstract nouns, has spoken of "the politics of civilisation" and asked economists to measure output in terms of happiness, not just growth.Put simply, if Europe stands for something, it is decent treatment for all.

The Economist

If you cover everyone because it's decent and just, you will also achieve economic sustainability.

The New York Times

As a business phone, it's decent if unspectacular, but consumers looking for more might be disappointed by the sluggish performance and app gap.

The Guardian - Tech

Sharp and acidic at first giving way to a distinctive sweet banana flavour, it was decent drinking – if a little meek compared to the growing band of 'London sour' tributes to this Berlin style.

The Guardian - Travel

It's decent popcorn TV, if you've got nothing better to do.

The New York Times - Arts

If it is a decent world, it will use it well.

The Guardian

We may never know if there is a message in K.S.M.'s vacuum cleaner or, perhaps more interesting, if it is a decent appliance: the A.P. was told by the C.I.A. that the drawings, " 'should they exist,' would be considered operational files of the CIA — among its most highly classified category of government files — and therefore exempt from ever being released to the public".

The New Yorker

If it is a decent amount, then every time your mother tells you to do your chores and you get angry, just think of yourself raiding Sephora.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it is decent", ensure the context clearly defines what 'decent' means in that situation. For example, specify 'decent quality' or 'decent behavior' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "decent" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound less professional. Opt for stronger synonyms like 'acceptable', 'adequate', or 'satisfactory' to maintain a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it is decent" functions as a conditional clause, setting a condition upon which the main clause depends. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct. It's used to express a contingency based on a certain standard of acceptability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if it is decent" functions as a conditional clause, used to set a condition based on an acceptable standard of quality or suitability. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, though its frequency is relatively rare. Primarily found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for broad communication. For more formal settings, alternatives like "if it is acceptable" or "if it is adequate" may be preferred. When using "if it is decent", ensuring clarity in defining 'decent' within the given context enhances its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided it is decent

Emphasizes the condition that something must be of acceptable quality or character.

if it is acceptable

Focuses on whether something meets a minimum standard for agreement or approval.

assuming it is decent

Implies an assumption that something will meet a minimum standard of quality.

if it is satisfactory

Highlights whether something fulfills the requirements or expectations.

if it is adequate

Emphasizes whether something is sufficient or enough for a particular purpose.

if it is appropriate

Indicates whether something is suitable or fitting for a specific situation.

if it is reasonable

Suggests whether something is fair and sensible in the given context.

if it is good enough

Focuses on whether something meets a required standard, even if not perfect.

if it is up to par

Refers to whether something reaches an expected level of quality or performance.

if it holds up

Concerns the ability of something to maintain its quality or effectiveness over time.

FAQs

What does "if it is decent" mean?

The phrase "if it is decent" means that something meets a minimum standard of acceptability or quality. It implies a conditional situation where the outcome depends on this standard being met.

When is it appropriate to use "if it is decent" in a sentence?

Use "if it is decent" when you want to express a condition based on a certain level of quality, morality, or suitability. For example, "I'll watch the movie "if it is decent"."

What can I say instead of "if it is decent"?

You can use alternatives like "if it is acceptable", "if it is satisfactory", or "if it is adequate" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between saying "if it's decent" and "if it is decent"?

No, there is no significant difference in meaning between "if it's decent" and "if it is decent". The former is a contraction and slightly more informal, while the latter is more formal but both are grammatically correct and convey the same conditional meaning.