looking quite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking quite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's appearance or state, often implying that they look good or are in a certain condition. Example: "She is looking quite radiant in that dress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was looking quite happy.

The New York Times

He was actually looking quite misty-eyed.

Independent

He described her as looking quite restful.

The New York Times

He was looking quite lost.

The Guardian

"They're actually looking quite good," he said.

The New York Times - Science

They're looking quite jaded now, the hosts.

The Guardian - Sport

"I see people looking quite seriously.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's such a privilege," he says, suddenly looking quite shy.

The Guardian - Music

The texture is messy and hectic looking, quite deliberately so.

Independent

If it's looking quite wet, drain off the water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But comparatively, business is actually looking quite good".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking quite" when you want to soften a description, making it less absolute and more nuanced. It's a useful way to convey a moderate degree of a quality or state without overstating it.

Common error

Avoid using "quite" excessively in your writing, as it can dilute the impact of your descriptions. If you find yourself using "quite" frequently, consider stronger, more precise adjectives or adverbs to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking quite" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically "to look". It serves to qualify the degree or intensity of the appearance or state being described. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is generally correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking quite" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to qualify the degree of a description, providing a nuanced and moderate assessment. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is most frequently found in News & Media, indicating a neutral register. While it is a common and useful phrase, writers should avoid overuse and consider stronger or more precise alternatives for formal contexts to enhance the impact of their writing. Remember to employ it judiciously to fine-tune the descriptive accuracy of your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearing rather

Replaces "quite" with "rather", indicating a similar degree of qualification but with a slightly more formal tone.

seeming fairly

Uses "seeming" instead of "looking", focusing on the impression given, and "fairly" to qualify the degree.

appearing somewhat

Employs "somewhat" as a qualifier, suggesting a slightly lesser degree than "quite".

looking pretty

Replaces "quite" with "pretty", adding a more informal and generally positive connotation.

appearing noticeably

Highlights the visibility or ease with which the appearance can be observed.

looking visibly

Indicates that the appearance is easy to see or detect.

seeming noticeably

Shifts the focus to how someone or something seems, emphasizing that it is easily observed.

appearing distinctly

Uses "distinctly" to suggest a clear and unambiguous appearance.

looking decidedly

Highlights that the appearance is clear and unambiguous.

seeming decidedly

Focuses on the impression given, stressing that it is clear and unambiguous.

FAQs

How can I use "looking quite" in a sentence?

You can use "looking quite" to describe someone's appearance or the state of something. For example, "She is "looking quite radiant" today", or "The garden is "looking quite vibrant" after the rain".

What are some alternatives to "looking quite"?

Alternatives include "appearing rather", "seeming fairly", or "appearing somewhat". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "looking quite" formal or informal?

"Looking quite" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, you might consider more precise or sophisticated alternatives.

What's the difference between "looking quite" and "looking very"?

"Looking quite" suggests a moderate degree, while "looking very" implies a higher intensity. "Looking quite happy" suggests someone is moderately happy, whereas "looking very happy" suggests a greater level of happiness.