quite a change

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite a change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a major difference in situation. For example: "It was quite a change to move to a new city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

IT WAS quite a change.

The Economist

It's quite a change from last week.

The New York Times

Quite a change of pace.

The Guardian - Sport

It is quite a change.

The New York Times

This new show marks quite a change.

The Guardian

That was quite a change in direction.

The Guardian - Sport

Is it quite a change from your Soho days?

The Guardian

That of course would mark quite a change.

The New York Times - Books

It is quite a change for me, exploring bankers.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is, she readily admits, quite a change.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The new job will make quite a change for Cruddas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite a change" to highlight a notable difference or transition, ensuring the context clearly establishes what is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "quite a change" for trivial or insignificant alterations; reserve it for scenarios where the difference is substantial and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a change" functions as a noun phrase that signifies a notable alteration or transition from a previous state or condition. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility in describing shifts across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite a change" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a notable difference or transition. It's grammatically correct, frequently used in news, media, and various other contexts, as validated by Ludwig. While suitable for formal writing, alternatives like "significant shift" may offer a more formal tone in certain situations. It's important to reserve "quite a change" for situations where the difference is substantial, avoiding overuse in minor alterations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant shift

Focuses on the importance of the change.

noticeable difference

Emphasizes the perceptibility of the alteration.

marked contrast

Highlights the opposition between two states.

considerable variation

Stresses the extent of the difference.

substantial modification

Indicates a large degree of change.

distinct departure

Emphasizes the act of moving away from a prior condition.

major transformation

Suggests a fundamental change in form or nature.

radical alteration

Implies a complete or fundamental change.

complete turnaround

Highlights a reversal of direction or condition.

sweeping reform

Implies broad and comprehensive changes.

FAQs

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

Use "quite a change" to emphasize a significant difference or transition, as in, "Moving from the countryside to the city was "quite a change" for her.".

What are some alternatives to "quite a change"?

Alternatives include "significant shift", "noticeable difference", or "marked contrast" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "quite a change" in formal writing?

Yes, "quite a change" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing a substantial alteration. However, consider alternatives like "significant shift" for a more formal tone if needed.

What's the difference between "quite a change" and "a slight change"?

"Quite a change" indicates a major difference or transition, whereas "a slight change" implies a minor alteration. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to highlight.