even quite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even quite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a degree or extent of something, often in a surprising or unexpected way. Example: "The movie was even quite entertaining, despite the low budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's even quite funny.

Independent

I even quite liked him.

The Guardian - Books

Frankly, we weren't even quite sure how we'd managed it.

Independent

Some pieces of even quite distant history are surprisingly available.

The New Yorker

Controversial now means different, unique, titillating, perhaps even quite brave.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wasn't even quite sure where Tajikistan was.

The Guardian

And you can't even quite see her knickers.

The Guardian

Even quite sensible people let hope triumph over their experience.

The Guardian - Sport

The sense of emptiness beneath, I even quite like it.

The Guardian - Books

We find that the engineers do share even quite valuable knowledge with informal contacts.

Research Policy

Furthermore, they are bioactive and osteoinductive and some are even quite biodegradable.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even quite" to express surprise or mild emphasis, but avoid overusing it for stronger emphasis; consider "very" or "extremely" instead.

Common error

Don't rely on "even quite" for situations needing stronger emphasis. It can dilute your message; opt for words like 'very', 'extremely', or 'remarkably' for heightened impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even quite" functions as an intensifier, modifying adjectives or adverbs to express a degree of something that is somewhat surprising or unexpected. Ludwig's examples show it adds a nuanced emphasis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even quite" is a versatile phrase used to express a moderate degree of something, often with a hint of surprise or unexpectedness. As affirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an intensifier, adding nuance to statements across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Scientific writing. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for scenarios where a subtle emphasis is desired, avoiding overuse in contexts demanding stronger expressions. Remember to consider alternatives like "actually quite" or "really quite" for similar yet distinct effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actually quite

Emphasizes that something is more than expected, often with a hint of surprise.

really quite

Highlights the degree to which something is true or significant.

indeed quite

Adds confirmation and emphasis to the statement.

certainly quite

Conveys a sense of assurance and definiteness.

somewhat quite

Indicates a moderate degree or extent.

perhaps quite

Suggests a possibility or uncertainty about the degree.

maybe quite

Similar to 'perhaps quite', but slightly more informal.

even fairly

Indicates a level that is acceptable or satisfactory.

even rather

Emphasizes a noticeable degree, often in a slightly old-fashioned style.

even somewhat

Implies a limited or moderate extent.

FAQs

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

You can use "even quite" to express mild surprise or emphasis. For example, "The presentation was "even quite engaging", considering the complex topic."

What are some alternatives to "even quite"?

Alternatives include "actually quite", "really quite", or "somewhat quite", depending on the context and desired level of emphasis.

Is it more formal to say "even quite" or "very"?

"Very" is generally more direct and versatile, while "even quite" can add a subtle layer of surprise or understatement. The formality depends on the overall tone of your writing.

Can "even quite" be used in negative sentences?

Yes, "even quite" can be used in negative sentences to express surprise or mild disagreement. For example, "I wasn't "even quite sure" what to expect, but it exceeded my expectations."