is that decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is that decent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for someone's opinion on whether something is acceptable or satisfactory. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I asked my colleague, 'Is that decent enough to present to the client?'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"The reality is that decent people don't throw bottles at funerals at anyone, much less the police.

The New York Times

By analogy, a major reason for providing universal healthcare as a public service is that decent medical treatment should not be a privilege reserved for the few.

The Guardian - Opinion

The comforting news is that decent, civilized manners are still respected enough at CPAC that loud slurs against minority groups, which the audience quietly despises, are still considered gauche.

The Guardian

But the point is that decent healthcare is something everyone should get as a matter of course.

BBC

One major reason that liberal peoples tolerate decent peoples, Rawls says, is that decent peoples secure for all persons within their territory a core list of human rights.

SEP

What emerges from the police briefings and local chatter is that decent communities on the outskirts of Manchester have been infected by the toxic morality of organised criminal gangs.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The result was that decent market share for some models quickly faded.

The Economist

The truth is that Tidal is a decent product.

Independent

One plus is that there are several decent private schools nearby, such as Sherborne and Canford".

The New York Times

The sense I get in my bones is that he's a decent, sophisticated guy.

Huffington Post

I want you to be that decent person.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is that decent", consider the context to ensure the level of formality matches your audience. In professional settings, "is that acceptable?" might be more appropriate. In everyday conversation, "is that decent?" is perfectly fine.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the word "decent" in professional writing. While acceptable in casual conversation, it can sound less precise than alternatives like "adequate", "suitable", or "satisfactory" in formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that decent" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase, specifically used to inquire whether something meets a certain standard of acceptability or quality. Ludwig confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is that decent" is a grammatically correct and usable interrogative phrase that questions the acceptability or quality of something. As Ludwig AI shows, its usage spans various contexts, though it's more prevalent in news, media, and informal settings. While "decent" implies an adequate or reasonably good standard, it's essential to consider the context and audience when selecting the most appropriate phrase. For formal situations, alternatives like "acceptable" or "satisfactory" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is that acceptable?

Replaces "decent" with "acceptable", focusing on whether something meets a minimum standard.

Is that satisfactory?

Uses "satisfactory" instead of "decent", inquiring if something meets expectations or requirements.

Is that good enough?

Emphasizes whether something reaches a necessary level of quality or suitability.

Is that adequate?

Similar to "acceptable", but suggests a basic level of sufficiency.

Is that up to par?

Uses an idiomatic expression to ask if something meets a required standard.

Is that reasonable?

Focuses on the logical or justifiable nature of something.

Is that appropriate?

Asks whether something is suitable or fitting for a particular context.

Is that respectable?

Implies a concern for social or moral approval.

Is that of sufficient quality?

More formal phrasing, emphasizing the level of quality.

Does that meet the standard?

Specifically asks if a particular benchmark is achieved.

FAQs

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

You can use "is that decent" to ask if something meets a reasonable standard or expectation. For example, "Is that decent enough for you?" or "Is that decent progress given the circumstances?"

What are some alternatives to "is that decent"?

Alternatives include "is that acceptable", "is that satisfactory", or "is that good enough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is that decent" formal or informal?

"Is that decent" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "is that adequate" or "does that meet the required standards".

What does "decent" mean in the phrase "is that decent"?

In this context, "decent" means adequate, acceptable, or of reasonably good quality. It implies a standard that is neither excellent nor poor, but somewhere in between.