does not quite match

USAGE SUMMARY

"does not quite match" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two things do not fit together perfectly. For example: "The colors in the painting do not quite match, making it difficult to look at for more than a few minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This still does not quite match the scene in question.

The New York Times

The Irish-trained Hidden Cyclone's form does not quite match up, but he will revel in the deep ground.

Independent

It's going to be interesting to see just how different Auburn's offense will be under Loeffler, whose pro-style background does not quite match Malzahn's spread background.

The New York Times

Their problem is that their front five does not quite match their brilliant backline, and it is up front where European games are often decided.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather than put its two copies at the place in the exhibition where chronology dictates, the library saves them for the very end the magician's great reveal though the dingy, end-of-the-corridor setting does not quite match expectations.

The Economist

The constituency of Kensington today does not quite match its reputation as a playground of the rich and the plush backdrop for the dinner parties of David Cameron's Notting Hill set.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

However, Ultimate Mayhem doesn't quite match its 2D counterparts.

The Guardian - Tech

But Titan's shape doesn't quite match what would be expected from theory.

The New York Times - Science

Because when you listen carefully, you notice the public anger doesn't quite match the political class anger.

The New York Times

That means staking huge inferences on small piece of evidence, and tweaking those inferences when something doesn't quite match.

The Economist

And it doesn't help when some of her post-synch dubbing doesn't quite match up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not quite match", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "does not quite match" when a stronger verb like 'contradicts', 'clashes', or 'differs significantly' would more accurately convey the extent of the difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not quite match" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a comparison between two elements that are similar but not perfectly aligned. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does not quite match" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote a subtle discrepancy or imperfect alignment between two things. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in English writing, especially within news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the elements being compared are clearly defined, and that a stronger verb isn't more appropriate for the context. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "is not an exact fit" or "is somewhat dissimilar" depending on the particular nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not an exact fit

Emphasizes the lack of precise correspondence between two things.

is somewhat dissimilar

Highlights a degree of difference, rather than a complete mismatch.

is not entirely consistent

Focuses on a lack of internal agreement or harmony.

deviates slightly from

Indicates a minor departure from a standard or expectation.

differs in some respects

Acknowledges points of divergence between comparable items.

isn't a perfect correlation

Highlights that a relationship or connection is not fully aligned.

is at odds in some ways

Suggests there's some conflict or contradiction

bears limited resemblance

Points out a faint similarity but more prominent differences

presents certain inconsistencies

Calls attention to the presence of aspects not lining up

shows partial divergence

Signals a degree of separation in paths or qualities

FAQs

How can I use "does not quite match" in a sentence?

You can use "does not quite match" to indicate a subtle difference or lack of perfect alignment between two things. For example, "The color of the wall "does not quite match" the furniture".

What are some alternatives to "does not quite match"?

You can use alternatives like "is not an exact fit", "is somewhat dissimilar", or "is not entirely consistent" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "does not match" or "does not quite match"?

"Does not match" implies a complete mismatch, while ""does not quite match"" suggests a partial or subtle difference. The best choice depends on the degree of difference you want to convey.

What's the difference between "does not quite match" and "is inconsistent with"?

"Does not quite match" usually compares two distinct items, while "is inconsistent with" often refers to a contradiction within a single entity or system. The phrases can be interchangeable in some contexts.