but quite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but quite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or qualification to a preceding statement, often to soften the impact of what is being said. Example: "The movie was entertaining, but quite predictable in its plot twists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But quite unrepresentative.

The Economist

But quite dull.

The Guardian

But quite natty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rather like him but quite different.

The New Yorker

But quite unexpectedly, Kim admitted to them.

The Economist

But quite an exciting one".

The Guardian

But quite a few do.

The Guardian - Travel

Mildly drizzly, but quite wonderful.

The Guardian - Music

Anna's Russian was mild but quite tasty.

The New York Times

PROFANITY -- Not overwhelming, but quite a bit.

The New York Times

But quite simply, my analysis was wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but quite" to introduce a mild contradiction or qualification to a previous statement, softening the impact of the contrast. It works well when you want to express agreement with a point while also highlighting a differing aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "but quite" excessively in formal contexts like academic papers or business reports. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes come across as too informal or conversational. Opt for more precise and sophisticated conjunctions like "however", "nevertheless", or "notwithstanding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"But quite" functions as a coordinating conjunction phrase, connecting two clauses or phrases while introducing a contrast or qualification. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in introducing a statement that modifies or slightly opposes the preceding one. For example, "It's easy, but quite complex," highlights a nuanced relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but quite" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to introduce a mild contrast or qualification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in News & Media. While suitable for general communication, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional contexts. When aiming to soften a contrasting statement or add a nuanced detail, "but quite" serves as an effective and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however quite

Replaces 'but' with 'however', maintaining a similar level of formality and contrast.

yet quite

Substitutes 'but' with 'yet', offering a slightly more literary or formal tone.

although quite

Uses 'although' to introduce a subordinate clause, creating a more complex sentence structure.

though quite

Similar to 'although', but slightly less formal.

while quite

Introduces a contrast using 'while', suggesting simultaneity or concession.

notwithstanding

Replaces both words with a single, more formal term indicating contrast.

even so

Indicates a consequence despite a preceding statement, offering a different flow.

in spite of this

Emphasizes the contrast more strongly than "but quite".

despite this

A slightly less formal alternative to "in spite of this".

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting viewpoint or aspect, shifting the focus.

FAQs

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

Use "but quite" to introduce a qualification or contrast that doesn't completely negate the preceding statement. For example, "The task was challenging, "but quite" rewarding in the end."

What are some alternatives to using "but quite"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "however", "yet", or "although" to convey a similar sense of contrast or qualification.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "but quite"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "but quite" might make your writing sound repetitive. It's best to vary your sentence structure and conjunctions to keep the text engaging. Consider alternatives that offer more specific nuances.

What's the difference between using "but quite" and simply using "but"?

"But quite" adds a degree of emphasis or specificity to the contrast. It suggests the following statement is somewhat surprising or noteworthy. "But" alone is a more general conjunction, suitable for any simple contrast.