actually quite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually quite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a statement or to express a surprising degree of something. Example: "The movie was actually quite entertaining, despite the negative reviews."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm actually quite impressed.

Independent

They're actually quite sloppy.

The Economist

It's actually quite flattering.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm actually quite settled".

Independent

Actually, quite the opposite.

The New York Times

"She's actually quite reserved".

The New York Times

He's actually quite endearing.

The New York Times - Books

"I'm actually quite optimistic.

The New Yorker

But it's actually quite good".

The New Yorker

"It's actually quite a revolution".

The New York Times - Tech

"No, actually quite the opposite.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by placing "actually quite" in different positions within the sentence to avoid monotony and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "actually quite" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Aim for a balance by using synonyms or restructuring your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually quite" primarily functions as an intensifier, modifying adjectives or adverbs to express a degree of surprise or mild emphasis. As shown in Ludwig, it adds nuance to statements, softening their impact while still conveying a significant level of the qualified characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actually quite" is a versatile phrase used to express surprise or soften statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider more precise language for highly formal writing. Alternatives like "really quite" or "surprisingly quite" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really quite

Replaces "actually" with "really", maintaining a similar degree of emphasis.

genuinely quite

Substitutes "actually" with "genuinely", emphasizing the sincerity of the qualifier.

truly quite

Replaces "actually" with "truly", highlighting the authenticity of the qualifier.

indeed quite

Substitutes "actually" with "indeed", adding a formal tone.

surprisingly quite

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the qualified adjective.

remarkably quite

Replaces "actually" with "remarkably", adding an element of admiration.

exceptionally quite

Substitutes "actually" with "exceptionally", suggesting a higher degree of the qualifier.

quite frankly

Introduces a candid or direct expression of the qualifier.

in reality quite

Highlights the factual basis of the qualifier, adding a layer of truth.

to be honest quite

Introduces a sincere perspective on the qualified adjective.

FAQs

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

The phrase "actually quite" is used to express surprise or to soften a statement. For example, "The movie was "actually quite good", despite the reviews" or "He's "actually quite tall" when you see him in person."

What are some alternatives to "actually quite"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "really quite", "genuinely quite", or "surprisingly quite" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it more formal to use "actually" or "quite" separately?

Using "actually" or "quite" separately can sometimes be more formal or direct, depending on the context. The phrase "actually quite" tends to soften the statement, adding a touch of surprise or mild emphasis.

Can "actually quite" be used in formal writing?

While "actually quite" is generally acceptable, it may be more suited for neutral or informal contexts. In highly formal writing, consider using more direct and precise language to avoid any ambiguity.