it can quite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can quite" is not correct as it stands and is incomplete in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express a degree of something, typically followed by an adjective or adverb. Example: "It can quite easily be done if you follow the instructions carefully."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Starbucks admitted that while it can (quite incredibly) claim that its 700 UK stores are not profitable, through wails of what seemed like crocodile tears, its 30 coffee traders in Switzerland make an enormous 20% profit margin despite never seeing a coffee bean; a fact that the committee could not have helped noting might be related to the 12% tax it pays in that state.

The Guardian - Opinion

MUSIC always seems to be trying to say more than we can quite hear, and perhaps more than it can quite say.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, if Tyler, the Creator didn't quite capitalise on his sensational 2011, then it can quite safely be said that Frank Ocean did.

The Guardian - Music

"I don't think it can quite have the same feeling, the same ambience, can it?" asks Christina Beale, a 65-year-old retiree from Norfolk.

The Guardian

Most of the attention paid to Microsoft's optional Kinect add-on for the 360 has revolved around the Kinect's visual image-recognition: that it can quite literally see what you are doing.

The New York Times - Arts

"Plan to find a space and keep that space for work and not let it spread into your home, because it can quite easily happen without you even realising," she says.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

No one, it seems, can quite explain it.

The Guardian - Film

It can be quite cosmic, quite metaphysical, quite overwhelming".

The New York Times - Books

"It can be quite lengthy and it can feel quite personal.

BBC

"It can be quite debilitating".

The New York Times - Health

It can be quite specific.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Complete the phrase with an adjective or adverb to clarify the intended meaning. For example, "it can quite easily" or "it can be quite effective."

Common error

Avoid using "it can quite" without a following adjective or adverb. This leaves the sentence unfinished and unclear. Always ensure the phrase expresses a complete thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can quite" functions as a modal phrase, indicating possibility or capability. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically incomplete without a following adjective or adverb to modify the verb. It requires further context to convey a complete thought.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can quite" is grammatically incomplete and requires a following adjective or adverb to make sense. As Ludwig AI highlights, using the phrase without completion is an error. While it appears in various sources, its proper usage involves adding an adverb (e.g., "easily") or an adjective (e.g., "effective") to express a degree of possibility or capability. Related phrases like "it is quite capable of" and "it is certainly able to" offer clearer alternatives. The contexts vary from news to science, demanding careful application in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is quite capable of

Adds emphasis on the capability of something.

it is certainly able to

Emphasizes certainty about the ability.

it is definitely possible to

Highlights the possibility of something happening.

it is entirely feasible to

Focuses on the feasibility or practicality.

it is reasonably possible

Indicates a moderate level of possibility.

it could easily

Suggests ease and likelihood.

it may well

Expresses a good chance or probability.

it is known to

Highlights the fact that something is known or recognized.

it has the capacity to

Emphasizes the potential or capacity.

it's apt to

Highlights the inclination towards something.

FAQs

How should "it can quite" be correctly used in a sentence?

To use "it can quite" correctly, follow it with an adverb or adjective that completes the meaning. For example, "it can quite easily" or "it can be quite effective". Without this, the phrase is incomplete.

What are some alternatives to "it can quite"?

Alternatives include "it is quite capable of", "it is certainly able to", or "it is definitely possible to" depending on the context.

Is "it can quite" grammatically correct?

The phrase "it can quite" is not correct as it stands and is incomplete in written English. It needs an adverb or adjective to complete the meaning. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment.

What does "it can quite" imply when used correctly?

When used correctly, "it can quite" implies a degree or extent to which something is possible or capable. For example, "it can quite easily adapt" suggests a high degree of adaptability.