Quite built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Quite built" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or unclear.
It could be used informally to describe someone who is well-built or muscular, but it is not commonly used in this form. Example: "He is quite built for someone who doesn't spend much time in the gym."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Our nature is not quite built around that".

The New York Times

He has an enviable job that he is not quite built to savour.

The Guardian - Music

* Shahar Peer vs. Sania Mirza: Mirza never quite built on early success, and in a sense neither has Peer.

The New York Times

It's quite built up, but the waves are perfect for learning to surf, and there are challenging breaks too, including a famous mile-long wave.

The Guardian - Travel

None have quite built up the scale of problems that south London has.

BBC

The web was built for everyone, but also means it's not quite built right for anyone.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It was a good joke, but it didn't quite build to redemption as a song or a performance.

The New York Times - Arts

Improvisation did not quite build on that at Goodwood, but disappeared thereafter and is entitled to a fresh start today.

Independent

But I sense that you also have some genuine sympathy for your hero, David, who has made an art out of cow insemination and still can't quite build a successful life for himself.

The New Yorker

The choreography doesn't quite build with the score at the end, but in general movement and music are remarkably joined in "El Trilogy," with the dancers seeming to bounce off the music and back in again like improvising jazz musicians.

The New York Times

His account of the fighting on the eastern front draws on powerful and unfamiliar material from soldiers' letters and diaries found by his researchers in archives in Berlin, Moscow, Vienna, Belgrade and Ljubljana, but never quite builds into an authoritative text; many quotations, though rich and poignant, come across as disembodied soundbites.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose of your writing. While "quite built" is acceptable, stronger or more descriptive alternatives may enhance your message.

Common error

Avoid relying on "quite built" in formal or academic writing where precision is key. Opt for more specific and descriptive terms that convey the intended meaning more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite built" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun, indicating the degree to which something is constructed or developed. Ludwig suggests it is not a standard phrase, but the provided examples show its usage in describing physical attributes and structures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite built" is used to describe something or someone that is noticeably well-constructed or physically developed. Ludwig highlights that while it is not incorrect, it is not considered a standard phrase in English. The contexts in which it appears are primarily in news and media, often to describe physical attributes. Alternatives such as "well-built" or "muscular" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. Therefore, while acceptable, consider more descriptive alternatives for enhanced clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-built

Direct synonym, emphasizing the quality of construction or physique.

strongly built

Focuses on the strength and robustness of the construction.

robustly constructed

Highlights the durable and sturdy nature of something built.

fairly muscular

If referring to a person, this emphasizes their muscle development.

somewhat developed

Indicates a degree of progress or advancement in construction or growth.

nicely constructed

Emphasizes the aesthetic appeal and quality of craftsmanship.

substantially created

Highlights the significant effort or resources invested in building something.

considerably advanced

Suggests a notable level of progress or completion in development.

moderately established

Indicates a level of stability and recognition achieved through building efforts.

reasonably formed

Focuses on the adequate shaping or structuring of something during its construction.

FAQs

What does "quite built" mean?

"Quite built" generally implies that something or someone is noticeably well-constructed or physically developed. It suggests a degree of build quality or muscularity.

Which is a better alternative to "quite built", "well-built" or "muscular"?

The best alternative depends on the context. "Well-built" is a general term applicable to both structures and people, while "muscular" is specifically for describing people with developed muscles. You might also consider alternatives like "strongly built" or "robustly constructed".

How can I use "quite built" in a sentence?

You can use "quite built" to describe someone's physique, as in "He is quite built for someone who doesn't go to the gym". Or you can use it to describe a structure, as in "The house is quite built, indicating quality materials and workmanship".

Is "quite built" formal or informal?

"Quite built" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's often better to use more precise terms like "sturdily constructed" or "highly developed" depending on the context.