is not quite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not quite" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express that something is close to being true or accurate, but not fully there. Example: The new restaurant is not quite as good as their old location, but it still has some delicious dishes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Katniss is not quite that.

The New York Times

It is not quite dead.

The New York Times

Yet she is not, quite.

The Economist

But it is not quite.

The Economist

This is not quite correct.

The Economist

This is not quite enough.

The New York Times - Arts

This is not quite true.

The Economist

That is not quite true.

The Economist

It is not quite so simple.

Independent

Yet the reality is not quite so.

Independent

Sadly, that is not quite the case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not quite", ensure the context provides a clear indication of what the subject is falling short of or approximating. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "is not quite" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and definitive language may be expected. Consider using stronger, more specific terms to convey your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not quite" primarily functions as a qualifier, indicating that something falls short of a particular standard or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct way to express a nuanced assessment. The examples show it modifying adjectives, adverbs, and nouns, adding a layer of partial negation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not quite" serves as a valuable tool for expressing nuanced opinions and partial agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context; more formal writing might benefit from stronger, more precise alternatives. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can effectively leverage "is not quite" to add depth and subtlety to their expression. Its frequency is very common, suggesting it's a fundamental aspect of expressing partiality in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not entirely

Indicates something is not completely the case, implying a partial truth or accuracy. This phrase emphasizes the lack of totality.

is not exactly

Suggests a deviation from a precise or expected condition. It implies a subtle difference or inaccuracy.

is not really

Indicates a contrast between appearance and reality. It can imply skepticism or disagreement.

is somewhat

Suggests a partial agreement or similarity. It denotes a degree of truth without full confirmation.

is nearly

Indicates proximity to a particular condition or state. It suggests that something is close but not yet fully realized.

is almost

Similar to 'is nearly', indicating a high degree of closeness to a state or condition without being completely there.

approaches but does not reach

Implies nearing a specific condition without fully attaining it. It emphasizes the process of approximation.

falls short of being

Highlights a deficiency in meeting a certain standard or expectation. It emphasizes the gap between the current state and the desired one.

does not quite measure up

Suggests a failure to meet a specific standard or expectation, often used in a comparative context.

lacks complete

Indicates the absence of totality in a particular attribute or quality. It emphasizes the missing component.

FAQs

How can I use "is not quite" in a sentence?

Use "is not quite" to express that something is close to being accurate or complete, but not fully. For example, "The movie was good, but it "is not quite" as captivating as the book."

What's a formal alternative to "is not quite"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "is not entirely", "does not fully", or "is not completely" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. For example, instead of "The data "is not quite" accurate", you could say "The data "is not entirely" accurate."

Is "is not quite" always negative?

While often used to express something lacking, "is not quite" can also be used in a positive sense by negating a negative. For instance, "The situation "is not quite" hopeless" implies there's still some hope.

What's the difference between "is not quite" and "is not really"?

"Is not quite" suggests something is close to a certain state but doesn't fully reach it, while "is not really" suggests a divergence between appearance and reality. "He "is not quite" ready" means he's almost prepared, whereas "He "is not really" interested" suggests his interest is superficial.