is decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is decent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is of adequate quality or of a satisfactory standard. For example: "The quality of the food in this restaurant is decent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The acting is decent.

The New York Times - Arts

"This place is decent.

The Guardian - Music

Support for the first team is decent.

The New York Times - Sports

Sure, the money is decent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

New York, at 20 percent or so, is decent.

The New York Times

The apartment is decent but cramped.

The New York Times - Books

There is decent feeling between them.

The New York Times - Books

The local beer is decent enough.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Be decent.

The New York Times

"Earnings were decent — hooray!

The New York Times - Tech

They're decent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing quality, consider the context. "Is decent" works well for everyday situations but might be too informal for academic or highly professional writing. Choose a more precise synonym like "adequate" or "satisfactory" in those settings.

Common error

Avoid using "is decent" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "acceptable", "sufficient", or "adequate" to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is decent" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a predicate adjective modifying a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys that something meets a reasonable standard of quality or acceptability. Examples show it used to describe quality, performance, or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is decent" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something meets a reasonable standard of quality or acceptability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a predicate adjective. While frequently used in news and media, as well as in informal contexts, it's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase. In more formal or academic settings, alternatives such as "is satisfactory" or "is adequate" may be more appropriate. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "is decent" into your writing while maintaining clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is satisfactory

Implies meeting a minimum requirement or expectation, slightly more formal than "is decent".

is adequate

Indicates just enough or barely sufficient, similar to "is decent" but with a more neutral connotation.

is acceptable

Suggests something is permissible or tolerable, conveying a slightly lower level of approval than "is decent".

is reasonable

Implies fairness or appropriateness, often used in contexts involving expectations or demands.

is fairly good

Expresses a moderate level of quality, slightly more emphatic than "is decent".

is passable

Indicates something barely meets the required standard, implying it's not particularly impressive but sufficient.

is all right

A more colloquial way of saying something is acceptable or okay, less formal than "is decent".

is respectable

Implies that something is worthy of respect or admiration, suggesting it is of a good standard and well-regarded.

is up to par

Suggests that something meets the expected standard or level of performance, often used in professional settings.

is not bad

A more understated way of expressing that something is reasonably good, implying a positive assessment without strong enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "is decent" to describe something that is moderately good or acceptable. For instance, "The food at that restaurant is decent" or "His performance on the test is decent".

What can I say instead of "is decent"?

Alternatives to "is decent" include "is satisfactory", "is adequate", or "is acceptable" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "is decent"?

"Is decent" is suitable for informal and everyday contexts where you want to convey that something is moderately good or acceptable without being overly enthusiastic. It's less appropriate for formal or academic writing.

Which is correct, "is decent" or "are decent"?

"Is decent" is used with singular nouns, while "are decent" is used with plural nouns. For example, "The movie is decent", but "The movies are decent".