it was quite

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was quite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something was more than just average or typical. For example, "It was quite an impressive performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was quite extreme.

The New York Times - Arts

It was quite explicit.

The Guardian

It was quite terrible".

Independent

It was quite refreshing.

Independent

It was quite advanced".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was quite embarrassing".

The New York Times

It was quite something.

The New York Times

It was quite exciting".

The New York Times

"It was quite noisy".

The New York Times

It was quite wonderful".

The New York Times

It was quite intense.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was quite" to subtly emphasize a characteristic or quality without being overly dramatic. It works well in descriptive writing and informal conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "quite" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "rather" or "very" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was quite" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective or adverb. It modifies the following word to indicate a degree beyond the ordinary, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was quite" is a versatile and commonly used expression to add emphasis or mild surprise to a statement. According to Ludwig, its grammatical function is as an intensifier, typically preceding an adjective or adverb. It serves to express a moderate degree of emphasis, fitting well in neutral registers like journalistic and narrative writing, as supported by numerous examples from reputable news sources. When aiming for variety, consider using alternatives such as "it was rather" or "it was very". Though the phrase is deemed grammatically correct and widely accepted, overusing it can be repetitive, so strategic use is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was rather

Replaces "quite" with "rather", indicating a similar degree of intensity or extent.

it was fairly

Substitutes "quite" with "fairly", suggesting a slightly lesser degree of intensity.

it was pretty

Uses "pretty" instead of "quite", offering a more informal way to express the idea.

it was very

Replaces "quite" with "very", providing a direct and common way to express a high degree.

it was remarkably

Substitutes "quite" with "remarkably", emphasizing the unexpected or surprising nature of the quality.

it was exceptionally

Uses "exceptionally" instead of "quite", indicating a higher degree of intensity or quality.

it was unusually

Replaces "quite" with "unusually", highlighting the atypical nature of the characteristic.

it was surprisingly

Substitutes "quite" with "surprisingly", emphasizing the unexpectedness of the quality.

it was notably

Uses "notably" instead of "quite", pointing out the characteristic as being particularly noticeable or significant.

it was distinctly

Replaces "quite" with "distinctly", suggesting a clear and easily recognizable quality.

FAQs

How can I use "it was quite" in a sentence?

You can use "it was quite" to describe something that exceeded your expectations or was more significant than average. For example, "It was quite an experience visiting the museum".

What are some alternatives to using "it was quite"?

Alternatives to "it was quite" include "it was rather", "it was very", or "it was fairly", depending on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "it was quite good" different from "it was very good"?

"It was quite good" suggests a slightly more understated approval compared to "it was very good", which is a more direct and stronger expression of approval.

When is it appropriate to use "it was quite" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "it was quite" in both formal and informal writing when you want to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic in a subtle yet effective manner. It adds a touch of sophistication without being overly assertive.