very decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very decent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is quite good or satisfactory, often in a modest or understated way. Example: "The meal at the new restaurant was very decent, exceeding my expectations for the price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Books

Food

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a very decent family.

The New York Times

He's a very decent man".

The New York Times

It's a very decent wine cocktail".

The New York Times - Food

Today the government salaries are very decent.

The New York Times

"They were very decent to deal with.

The New York Times

A very decent swim, but no medal.

The Guardian - Sport

I made a very decent living.

The New Yorker

He was just a very decent man".

The Guardian

He's just a very decent guy".

The New York Times

"She is very decent and beautiful".

The Guardian

"He is a very decent guy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very decent" in writing, consider the audience and context. While generally appropriate, it might be replaced with more formal or descriptive language in highly academic or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "very decent" in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the specific quality or attribute you wish to highlight.

Linguistic Context

"Very decent" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a good, acceptable, or satisfactory quality. Ludwig examples show its application across various contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Books

5%

Food

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very decent" serves as a descriptive adjective phrase indicating something is quite good or satisfactory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, lifestyle, and sports contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the audience and context, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Ludwig's examples illustrate its broad applicability, solidifying its position as a reliable and acceptable expression in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite satisfactory

Focuses more on meeting requirements or expectations adequately.

remarkably good

Emphasizes a higher level of quality, suggesting something is better than average.

exceptionally fine

Highlights the superior quality or refinement of something.

noticeably adequate

Highlights that something is just on acceptable or adequate.

extremely commendable

Emphasizes the praiseworthiness of something.

considerably agreeable

Highlights the pleasantness or suitability of something.

genuinely acceptable

Indicates that something is truly or authentically acceptable.

truly adequate

Stresses that something meets the necessary requirements without being exceptional.

substantially sufficient

Highlights that something is largely or significantly enough.

appreciably fair

Indicates a level of fairness that is noticeable or measurable.

FAQs

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

You can use "very decent" to describe something that is quite good or satisfactory. For example: "The food at the restaurant was "very decent", especially considering the price."

What are some alternatives to saying "very decent"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "quite satisfactory", "remarkably good", or "exceptionally fine" as alternatives to "very decent".

Is "very decent" too informal for professional writing?

While "very decent" is generally acceptable, in more formal or professional writing, consider using alternatives that convey a similar meaning but with a more sophisticated tone, such as "considerably agreeable" or "extremely commendable".

Can "very decent" be used to describe a person's character?

Yes, "very decent" can be used to describe a person as having good moral qualities or being kind and fair. For example: "He is a "very decent" man who always helps others."