it was quite something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was quite something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that an experience or event was impressive, surprising, or noteworthy. Example: "The concert last night was quite something; the energy in the crowd was electric."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Music

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Compared with the Allianz Arena, the Olympic Stadium is just a jaunty tent stretched over a conventional stadium, but it was quite something in its time, and it still looks good.

The New Yorker

It was quite something.

The New York Times

But it was quite something.

The Guardian - Music

"It was quite something," she remembers.

The Guardian - Books

It was quite something to see".

The New Yorker

"It was quite something," Mr. Gore said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It is quite something to do that.

The Guardian - Sport

Like Reeves herself, it's quite something.

The Guardian - Music

It's quite something at close vicinity".

The Guardian - Music

It's quite something, because there's nothing there.

The New York Times

It's quite something with all the buildings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was quite something" to subtly express admiration or surprise without being overly effusive. It's a versatile phrase suitable for a range of situations.

Common error

Avoid using "it was quite something" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to convey your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was quite something" functions as a subjective assessment, often used to express mild surprise, admiration, or acknowledgement of a significant event or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Music

8%

Opinion

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was quite something" is a versatile phrase used to express a reaction to an event or experience. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. While appropriate for many situations, it's best to avoid it in highly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "it was truly remarkable" or "it was really impressive" for added emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was truly remarkable

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the event or experience.

it was quite extraordinary

Highlights the unusual and exceptional aspect.

it was really impressive

Focuses on the admirable quality of what occurred.

it was absolutely amazing

Conveys strong enthusiasm and positive sentiment.

it was rather special

Indicates something unique and noteworthy.

it was something to behold

Emphasizes the visual impact and impressiveness.

it left a lasting impression

Highlights the memorable and impactful nature of the experience.

it was a sight to see

Focuses on the visual aspect and its remarkable quality.

it was an unforgettable experience

Stresses the memorable and significant nature.

it was out of this world

Implies something beyond normal or ordinary.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was quite something" to express admiration, surprise, or significance about an event or experience. For example, "The performance last night? It was quite something".

What can I say instead of "it was quite something"?

You can use alternatives like "it was truly remarkable", "it was really impressive", or "it was absolutely amazing" depending on the context.

Is "it was quite something" formal or informal?

"It was quite something" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but might be too casual for very formal contexts.

What does "it was quite something" imply?

"It was quite something" implies that an experience or event was noteworthy, either positively or surprisingly. The specific nuance depends on the context in which it's used.