a quite unique

USAGE SUMMARY

"a quite unique" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the rarity or specialness of something. For example, "This watch is a quite unique find, with its gold and bronze coloring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

These obligate parasites interact with their hosts in a quite unique and intriguing way.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

MacLehose came to be governor of Hong Kong with a quite unique background.

The Guardian

And that is a quite unique and unusual set of persons coming together around a commitment to an idea.

Yale University

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV is a clinically validated target for type-2 diabetes and belongs to a family of peptidases with a quite unique post-proline cleavage specificity.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

Cave is a quite unique comic proposition, her angelic look - ditsy red dress, trainers, long blonde plaits - deliciously out-of-kilter with the sly darkness of her material.

Independent

America's system of standards, curriculums and testing controlled by states and local districts with a heavy overlay of federal rules is a "quite unique" mix of decentralization and central control, Mr. Schleicher said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He lived a life quite unique and as he said so often, "I'm one in a million".

The New York Times

The Real Estate Record and Guide reported that Mrs. Waldo was going to erect a mansion "quite unique in design".

The New York Times

They are more like a fresh than a canned product, quite unique and one of my favourite convenience foods.

Independent

This diversity sets Brummie MCs apart from many of their peers: they're speaking from a different, and quite unique, standpoint.

BBC

Here, we present a case showing quite unique pathological findings and further discuss the possible association between ANCA-associated CGN and immune complex disease.

BMC Nephrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a quite unique" with descriptive adjectives to further emphasize the specific aspect of uniqueness you want to highlight. For example: "a quite unique and innovative approach".

Common error

Avoid using "a quite unique" when describing something that is merely uncommon or unusual, but not truly one-of-a-kind. Ensure that the subject possesses attributes that genuinely distinguish it from all others in its category.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quite unique" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It is used to describe a noun, emphasizing its distinctiveness and uncommon nature, indicating that it possesses qualities that set it apart.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quite unique" is an adjective phrase used to emphasize the distinctiveness and uncommon nature of something. While some may debate its redundancy, it's a commonly accepted expression found in diverse contexts, including news media, science, and academia, according to Ludwig. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English, noting its effectiveness in highlighting rarity or specialness. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating uniqueness and ensure the subject truly possesses exceptional qualities. Consider alternatives such as "a truly unique" or "a distinctly unique" for different shades of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rather unique

Substitutes "quite" with "rather", offering a slightly less emphatic tone.

a very unique

Replaces "quite" with "very", which is generally discouraged because "unique" means 'one of a kind' and shouldn't be modified. The phrase is still used.

a truly unique

Emphasizes the uniqueness more strongly than "quite".

a completely unique

Highlights the comprehensive and absolute nature of the uniqueness.

a perfectly unique

Indicates an ideal or flawless instance of uniqueness.

a distinctly unique

Emphasizes the clear and noticeable nature of the uniqueness.

a fairly unique

Replaces "quite" with "fairly", indicating a more moderate degree of uniqueness.

a particularly unique

Highlights the exceptional nature of the uniqueness.

an especially unique

Similar to "particularly unique", emphasizing the exceptional quality.

an uncommonly unique

This phrase conveys a sense of rarity and infrequency regarding the element of uniqueness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quite unique" to describe something that possesses a distinct and uncommon quality. For example, "The artist developed "a quite unique style" that set him apart from his contemporaries."

What are some alternatives to "a quite unique"?

Some alternatives include "a distinctly unique", "a truly unique", or "an exceptionally unique" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "quite" with "unique"?

While "unique" technically means 'one of a kind', the phrase "a quite unique" is commonly used to emphasize the distinctiveness or rarity of something. While some consider it redundant, it's generally accepted in common usage.

What's the difference between "a quite unique" and "a very unique"?

Although both aim to intensify "unique", using "very" with "unique" is often considered logically incorrect, as "unique" already implies the highest degree. "A quite unique", while also debated, is more widely accepted as a way to emphasize a thing's distinctiveness.