quite

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite" is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It is usually used as an adverb to mean very, or to a considerable degree. For example, you could say "I am quite certain that we will be able to finish this project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quite so.

The New York Times

Quite right.

The New York Times - Sports

Almost, but not quite.

The New York Times

Quite possibly.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is untrue from start to finish, and was quite likely dreamt up by the Labour press office.

The Guardian

"Also I think it actually demeans some quite sensible things.

The Guardian

Our vote held up, we had not anticipated the Tory vote collapsing quite so dramatically.

The Guardian

"It was quite obvious it was my shoes that was an issue".

The Guardian - Film

Quite the opposite occurred.

The New York Times

Quite the reverse.

The New York Times

It was quite scary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite", be mindful of its dual meaning: it can signify 'to a great extent' or 'moderately'. Ensure the context makes your intended meaning clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "quite" when you intend to express a strong affirmation or agreement. In such cases, alternatives like "absolutely" or "definitely" provide more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "quite" primarily functions as an adverb, modifying adjectives, adverbs, and verbs to indicate a degree of intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its varied usage, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite" is a versatile adverb used to modify adjectives, adverbs, and verbs. As highlighted by Ludwig, it can express varying degrees of intensity, ranging from 'somewhat' to 'very'. Its usage is considered grammatically correct and common across a range of contexts, particularly in news and media. However, careful consideration of context is crucial to avoid ambiguity, given its dual potential to signify both moderate and significant degrees. Alternatives like "rather", "somewhat", and "very" can offer more precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather

Indicates a similar degree but can sometimes imply a slightly lesser extent than "quite".

somewhat

Indicates a moderate degree, often less emphatic than "quite".

pretty

A more informal synonym, suggesting a similar level of intensity.

fairly

Indicates a moderate degree, comparable to "somewhat" and slightly less forceful than "quite".

very

A direct synonym when "quite" is used to mean 'to a great extent'.

totally

Emphasizes completeness or to the fullest extent, implying a greater degree than "quite".

completely

Similar to 'totally', signifying thoroughness or a full extent.

entirely

Implies a whole or undivided extent, making it similar in strength to 'completely'.

absolutely

Indicates without a doubt or limitation, often stronger than "quite".

utterly

Suggests a complete or total degree, similar to 'absolutely' in emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "quite" in a sentence?

"Quite" can modify adjectives, adverbs, and verbs. For instance, you might say, "The movie was "quite good"" or "He sings "quite well"".

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

While both intensify, "very" typically denotes a higher degree than "quite." "Quite" can sometimes imply 'somewhat' or 'moderately,' depending on context.

What are some alternatives to "quite"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "rather", "somewhat", "pretty", "fairly", "very", "totally" or "completely".

Is it correct to say "quite the opposite"?

Yes, "quite the opposite" is a valid and common idiom used to express that the reality is the reverse of what was stated or implied.