in decent shape

USAGE SUMMARY

"in decent shape" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something or someone that is in good or satisfactory condition or physical shape. Example: - After months of working out and eating healthy, John was finally in decent shape. - The old car was in surprisingly decent shape for its age. - Despite her busy schedule, Sarah managed to keep her garden in decent shape. - The company's financial report showed that they were in decent shape for the coming year. - The team's star player injured his knee, but luckily he was still in decent shape to play in the championship game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Radio 4 is in decent shape now.

Independent

Superficially these look in decent shape.

The Economist

Social Security is in decent shape.

The New York Times

I consider myself in decent shape.

The New York Times - Sports

"I believe we're in decent shape to bounce straight back.

Independent

Believe it or not, it was in decent shape.

The New York Times

HE was 39 and thought he was in decent shape.

The New York Times

We are in decent shape over the next 18 months".

The New York Times

"The vegetables here are in decent shape," she says approvingly.

The Guardian

"Before the storm, he was in decent shape," Nagin said.

The New Yorker

Mr Middelhoff, in contrast, has left a company in decent shape and on good terms.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in decent shape" to describe the state of something or someone that is neither excellent nor poor, but satisfactorily functional or healthy. It's versatile enough for both physical and abstract contexts, such as describing a person's fitness or a company's finances.

Common error

Avoid using "in decent shape" when the subject is actually in excellent condition. Reserve the phrase for situations where the condition is good but not exceptional, so you do not mislead your audience about the quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in decent shape" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adjective complement describing the condition or state of a noun. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility in describing physical fitness, financial status, or the condition of objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in decent shape" is a common and versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something or someone that is in a reasonably good or satisfactory condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's not the most formal or emphatic expression, it effectively communicates a state of being that is neither excellent nor poor. When writing, it's best to use it to convey a good but not outstanding condition, and it's generally safe for use in both formal and informal contexts. Consider alternatives like "in good condition" or "doing well" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in good condition

Focuses more on the state of repair or maintenance rather than overall fitness or health.

in satisfactory form

More formal and emphasizes performance or presentation.

in reasonable condition

Highlights that the state is acceptable but not necessarily excellent.

in acceptable order

Emphasizes organization and arrangement, rather than physical condition.

in fairly good nick

An informal, British-English alternative suggesting something is holding up well.

doing well

A more general expression of success or positive condition.

holding up well

Focuses on the ability to withstand wear and tear or challenges.

in a respectable state

Indicates a level of presentability or social acceptance.

adequately maintained

Highlights the effort put into preserving something's condition.

passable

Indicates something meets the minimum requirements for acceptance.

FAQs

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

You can use "in decent shape" to describe something or someone that is in a good, but not excellent, condition. For example: "After the renovation, the house was "in decent shape"", or "Despite the injury, the athlete was "in decent shape" for the game".

What are some alternatives to "in decent shape"?

Alternatives to "in decent shape" include "in good condition", "in satisfactory form", or "doing well", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "in decent shape"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something or someone is doing fine but is not necessarily outstanding or perfect. It implies a satisfactory level of fitness, condition, or performance.

What's the difference between "in decent shape" and "in excellent shape"?

"In decent shape" implies a good or satisfactory condition, while "in excellent shape" suggests a superior or outstanding condition. Use "in excellent shape" when something is at its best, and "in decent shape" when it's merely good enough.