was decent enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was decent enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a moderate level of satisfaction or adequacy regarding something, often implying that it met basic expectations without being exceptional. Example: "The meal at the restaurant was decent enough, but I wouldn't go back for a special occasion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

His father was decent enough, and everyone adored his mother.

The New Yorker

The fuel economy was decent enough; we averaged 24 m.p.g.

The New York Times

The employment report for February, released on Friday morning, was decent enough.

The New Yorker

And but for the flavorless tomato, a buffalo mozzarella salad was decent enough.

The New York Times

Kane's finish was decent enough, but the delivery made his life very easy.

The Guardian - Sport

COMMENT FROM YAHYA CHAUDHRY: It was no "A More Perfect Union," but it was decent enough for a stump speech.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

He's decent enough at playing football.

The Guardian - Sport

The local beer is decent enough.

The Guardian - Travel

The script is decent enough too, for the first half.

The New York Times - Arts

If the performances are decent enough, the characters are near-ciphers.

The New York Times

Its record on balancing growth and inflation is decent enough (see chart 1).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was decent enough" when you want to convey that something met the minimum requirements or expectations without necessarily being exceptional. It's suitable for situations where a moderate level of satisfaction is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "was decent enough" repeatedly in your writing, as it can make your prose sound monotonous. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "was satisfactory" or "was acceptable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was decent enough" primarily functions as a subjective assessment, expressing a moderate level of satisfaction or adequacy. Ludwig examples show its use in describing diverse aspects like food, performance, or conditions, indicating a level that meets basic requirements without being outstanding. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was decent enough" is a common expression used to indicate a moderate level of satisfaction or adequacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While versatile, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "was satisfactory" or "was acceptable" can enhance your writing. Remember to use "was decent enough" when conveying that something meets basic expectations without being exceptional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was good enough

States that something fulfilled the minimum required standard.

was satisfactory

Indicates a basic level of acceptance or fulfillment of requirements, focusing on meeting a need.

was acceptable

Focuses on the permissibility or approval of something.

was fairly good

Emphasizes a moderate level of goodness or quality.

was adequate

Suggests that something barely meets the minimum requirements or expectations.

was reasonably good

Highlights that something is good to a reasonable extent or degree.

was up to scratch

Indicates that something reached the required standard or expectation.

was passably good

Highlights that something is good enough to pass or be accepted, despite potential flaws.

was tolerably good

Implies that something is good but only to a tolerable degree.

was sufficient

Signifies that there was enough of something or met a certain purpose

FAQs

What does "was decent enough" mean?

The phrase "was decent enough" means that something met the minimum requirements or expectations; it was satisfactory but not necessarily exceptional. It suggests a moderate level of approval or acceptance.

How can I use "was decent enough" in a sentence?

You can use "was decent enough" to describe something that is adequate or acceptable in a particular context. For example, "The food at the restaurant "was decent enough" for a quick lunch, but I wouldn't go there for a special occasion."

What can I say instead of "was decent enough"?

You can use alternatives like "was satisfactory", "was acceptable", or "was good enough" depending on the context.

Is "was decent enough" formal or informal?

"Was decent enough" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's appropriate for everyday conversation and writing, but you might choose a more formal alternative like "was satisfactory" in highly formal contexts.