fairly quiet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fairly quiet' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or environment where there is not much noise or activity. For example: "The house was fairly quiet as everyone was asleep in bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fairly quiet.

The Guardian

Cameron kept fairly quiet.

The Guardian

Kinvara was fairly quiet.

The New York Times - Travel

They kept this fairly quiet.

The New Yorker

Fairly quiet in the cafe.

The New York Times - Food

It has been fairly quiet.

The New York Times

Volcanically, Antarctica is a fairly quiet place.

The New York Times

It was a fairly quiet morning.

The New York Times

The company has been fairly quiet about the buyout.

The New Yorker

Apart from Kafer Souseh, Damascus has been fairly quiet.

The Economist

Before Chaz moved in, the upstairs was fairly quiet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "fairly quiet" to temper expectations. For example, describing a restaurant as "fairly quiet" implies it's not entirely silent, managing customer anticipation effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "fairly quiet" when you mean completely silent. "Fairly quiet" suggests a noticeable reduction in noise, but not its complete absence. If you need to convey total silence, use terms like 'silent' or 'completely quiet'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly quiet" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, used to describe a noun. Ludwig's examples showcase it describing places, times, objects, or even a person's general behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fairly quiet" is a common adjectival phrase used to describe a state of moderate calmness or reduced noise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's frequently found in news and media, denoting a situation that is less noisy than usual. When using this phrase, be mindful of the intended degree of quietness, as it implies a reduction in noise rather than complete silence. Consider using alternative phrases such as "relatively silent" or "moderately hushed" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively silent

Suggests an even greater degree of quietness than "fairly quiet".

moderately hushed

Emphasizes a deliberate reduction in sound, more intentional than "fairly quiet".

somewhat still

Shifts focus from sound to overall activity level, implying minimal movement in addition to low noise.

comparatively peaceful

Highlights the tranquility aspect, suitable when emotional tone is important, while "fairly quiet" is more neutral.

reasonably calm

Similar to 'comparatively peaceful', focusing on lack of disturbance.

noticeably subdued

Indicates a state that is quieter than usual or expected, with the emphasis on the change.

rather muted

Suggests a reduction in intensity, applicable beyond just sound, unlike "fairly quiet".

generally untroubled

Implies a broader sense of peace and lack of problems, beyond just auditory quietness.

pretty restful

Emphasizes the relaxing quality of the quietness, making it less neutral than "fairly quiet".

slightly inactive

Focuses on the absence of activity rather than sound, broader in scope than "fairly quiet".

FAQs

How can I use "fairly quiet" in a sentence?

You can use "fairly quiet" to describe a place or situation where there is a noticeable lack of noise. For example, "The library was "fairly quiet" this morning, which made it easy to concentrate."

What are some alternatives to saying "fairly quiet"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "moderately hushed", "relatively silent", or "somewhat still" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "fairly quiet" the same as "very quiet"?

No, "fairly quiet" indicates a moderate level of quietness, while "very quiet" suggests a higher degree of silence. "Fairly quiet" implies that there might still be some sounds present, just not disruptive ones.

Can "fairly quiet" be used to describe a person?

Yes, "fairly quiet" can describe a person's demeanor, suggesting they are not very talkative. For example, "He's a "fairly quiet" individual, preferring to listen rather than speak."