quite a decade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite a decade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the significance or impact of a particular ten-year period, often in a reflective or evaluative context. Example: "Looking back, it was quite a decade for technological advancements and social change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Not quite a decade later, things look very different.

The New York Times - Books

In all these ways Cockburn was like his not quite decade-younger compatriot, friend, comrade, sparring partner, rival, and enemy Christopher Hitchens, who stormed onto the American scene not quite a decade later.

The New Yorker

The author of "The Corrections" is back, not quite a decade later, with an even richer and deeper work — a vividly realized narrative set during the Bush years, when the creedal legacy of "personal liberties" assumed new and sometimes ominous proportions.

The New York Times - Books

When Mr. von Trapp finally returned to take over from his father, Johannes, he had had quite a decade: teaching skiing in Aspen, modeling for Ralph Lauren, surfing in Chile and even making People magazine's America's Top 50 Bachelors list in 2001.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Despite having only recorded four albums during their not-quite-a-decade-long run from 1964-1973, The Velvet Underground broke monumental ground in the art of music-making and songwriting.

Vice

It's been quite a full decade for me.

Huffington Post

The parallel with Lebanon is obvious — and if the Alawites had been as keen on independence as Lebanon's Christians, an independent Alawia might have been carved out of the Syrian coast quite a few decades ago.

The New York Times

But given the long gap that followed Goslin's called third strike in 1925, it may be quite a few decades before another batter chooses to wait for a better pitch with his team one strike from elimination.

The New York Times - Sports

(Anderson George Clintonn & Parliament Funkadelic (Thursday) The funk and soul connoisseur George Clinton celebrates more than 50 years with his revolving collective of far-out musicians, and quite a few decades of having the best coiffure in the business too.

The New York Times - Arts

"It has been quite an amazing decade and an incredible ride, and I sincerely thank all of you for bestowing on me all your great treasures".

Huffington Post

Matthew O'Brien follows up on the hedge-fund-guys-who-hate Bernanke question, and points out that hedge funds have actually done quite badly for a decade, and especially since the crisis began.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite a decade" to introduce a reflective summary of a ten-year period, highlighting its key characteristics or changes.

Common error

Avoid using "quite a decade" in very casual or informal conversations where a simpler phrase like "the last ten years" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a decade" functions as a noun phrase used to describe a period of ten years that is considered remarkable or significant. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it’s used to introduce a reflective summary. It often serves as a subject complement or an object of a preposition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite a decade" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a remarkable or significant ten-year period. According to Ludwig AI analysis, the expression is best used to introduce reflections or summaries of a decade. Although it is not very common, it appears primarily in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral register. To enhance writing, consider using this phrase to add emphasis when referring to a decade marked by important events or changes. If the need arises, alternatives such as ""remarkable decade"" or ""significant decade"" may be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable decade

Emphasizes the outstanding or noteworthy nature of the ten-year period.

significant decade

Highlights the importance and impact of the decade.

eventful decade

Focuses on the number of events or occurrences during the decade.

momentous decade

Suggests that the decade was marked by important and historical moments.

notable decade

Similar to remarkable, but with a slightly less strong emphasis.

memorable decade

Highlights that the decade is easily remembered due to its events or characteristics.

unforgettable decade

Implies that the decade was so significant that it cannot be forgotten.

transformative decade

Emphasizes the changes and transformations that occurred during the decade.

influential decade

Focuses on the impact and influence the decade had on subsequent events or trends.

pivotal decade

Highlights that the decade was a turning point or critical period.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite a decade" to describe a ten-year period that was particularly significant or eventful. For example, "Looking back, it was "quite a decade" for technological advancements."

What's a more formal alternative to "quite a decade"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a "remarkable decade"" or "a "significant decade"", which convey the importance of the period in a slightly more elevated manner.

Is it correct to say "a quite decade" instead of "quite a decade"?

No, the correct and idiomatic phrasing is ""quite a decade"". The word order "quite a" is a set construction in English.

In what contexts is "quite a decade" most appropriately used?

"Quite a decade" is suitable for contexts where you want to emphasize that a particular ten-year period was especially noteworthy due to major changes, events, or achievements. News articles, historical analyses, and reflective essays are all good fits.