are quite different

USAGE SUMMARY

"are quite different" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it to express the idea that two things are very dissimilar. For example, "The cultures of the two countries are quite different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

AR: We are quite different personalities.

The Guardian - Sport

The valleys are quite different.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Our records are quite different".

The New York Times

Otherwise, they are quite different.

The New Yorker

Their audiences are quite different.

The New York Times - Sports

The effects are quite different.

The New York Times - Magazine

The two are quite different.

The Guardian - Books

The facts are quite different.

The New York Times - Sports

But they are quite different.

The Guardian - Books

"There the people are quite different.

The Guardian - Arts

But typical FTSE executives are quite different.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are quite different", ensure that the context clearly establishes what two or more things are being compared. This provides clarity and strengthens the comparison being made.

Common error

Avoid using "are quite different" when the actual differences are minor or superficial. Using a more nuanced phrase, such as "are slightly different", can prevent overemphasis and better reflect the true extent of the dissimilarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are quite different" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying the subject of a sentence to indicate a notable dissimilarity. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it connects a subject with its distinct characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are quite different" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that two or more things have notable dissimilarities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides clear subjects for comparison and be mindful not to overstate minor differences. Alternatives like "are fairly different" or "are significantly different" can offer a more nuanced approach depending on the degree of dissimilarity you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are fairly different

Changes the intensifier from "quite" to "fairly", indicating a slightly lesser degree of difference.

are rather different

Replaces "quite" with "rather", suggesting a similar level of difference but with a slightly more informal tone.

are somewhat different

Indicates a moderate degree of difference, less pronounced than "quite different".

are pretty different

Uses "pretty" as an informal intensifier, similar in meaning to "quite".

are distinctly different

Emphasizes the clear and noticeable nature of the difference.

are markedly different

Highlights that the difference is easily observable or significant.

are considerably different

Indicates a substantial and noteworthy difference.

are significantly different

Focuses on the importance or consequence of the difference.

are entirely different

Suggests a complete and absolute dissimilarity.

are completely different

Implies a total absence of similarity.

FAQs

How can I use "are quite different" in a sentence?

Use "are quite different" to highlight significant distinctions between two or more subjects. For example, "The approaches to solving the problem "are quite different", requiring separate strategies".

What are some alternatives to saying "are quite different"?

Alternatives include "are fairly different", "are rather different", or "are significantly different", depending on the degree of difference you want to emphasize.

Is it more formal to say "are quite different" or "are very different"?

"Are quite different" generally carries a slightly more formal tone than "are very different", although both are widely acceptable. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "are quite different" and "are slightly different"?

"Are quite different" indicates a substantial and easily noticeable dissimilarity, whereas "are slightly different" suggests only a minor or subtle distinction.