quite a dive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite a dive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a place, often a bar or restaurant, that is considered to be shabby or of low quality, but may have a certain charm or appeal. Example: "The restaurant looked uninviting from the outside, but once we stepped in, we realized it was quite a dive with a cozy atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Pete's wasn't quite a dive — it had pancetta-wrapped scallops and pappardelle with lamb — but it was a neighborhood restaurant, a place you could show up to in a worn hoodie and paint-spattered shoes.

Los Angeles Times

SDS has taken quite a dive since then, now down at $21 but the March $23 calls are 0.89 ($2,670) while the March $28 calls are $0.30 $9000) and the AAPL 2017 $70 puts are $2.42 $1,2100) for net $560, down just $265 after44 months and still providing up to $15,000 of protection should the S&P drop 20% from here.  .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Swan then takes quite a swan dive with this one: "If you are out hunting and you're using a predator call, be careful.

Huffington Post

17 min: Pereira wins a free-kick with a quite outrageous dive, bringing effusive condemnation from Ballack who, in turn, is castigated by the home fans.

The Guardian - Sport

As an anarchist organizer in New York, I'm familiar with a lot of what Bray discusses in the book but still learned quite a lot once I dove in.

Vice

This is similar to a dive curve but doesn't drop quite as much and has a bit more side-to-side movement.

WikiHow

Councillor Alan Laing said at the time: "Herbal nightclub had become a dive where drugs were dealt and taken quite openly..

The Guardian - Music

Like you perhaps, I have become so inured to the mannerisms of teen drama – the issue-laden scripts, the fidgety camerawork, the look-at-me performances – that Dominic Savage's Dive came as quite a shock.

Independent

Nothing looked worse than Lindsay Thomas's spectacular and quite epic dive.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was a dive bum".

The New Yorker

He's a dive guy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite a dive" to describe a place, consider if "hole in the wall" or "dive bar" might be more appropriate depending on the specific qualities you want to convey. Use "quite a dive" when you want to emphasize an unexpected discovery.

Common error

Be mindful that "quite a dive" can sometimes imply a negative assessment. If you intend to convey charm or character, ensure the surrounding context makes that clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a dive" functions primarily as a descriptive term, often used adjectivally to characterize a place or situation. Ludwig examples show it describing both physical locations and abstract declines.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite a dive" is a descriptive phrase used to characterize something, often a place, as unexpectedly run-down, surprising, or dramatic. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in English. While primarily informal, it appears across various sources, including news media and online wikis, with its connotation often tinged with irony or amusement. When writing, consider the context and whether a more neutral or formal alternative might be more appropriate depending on your intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable plunge

Replaces "dive" with "plunge", implying a significant or sudden drop or decrease.

a significant drop

Substitutes "dive" with "drop", suggesting a notable decline or reduction.

a notable dip

Replaces "dive" with "dip", indicating a slight decline or decrease.

a real hole in the wall

Emphasizes the run-down or unpretentious nature of a place, similar to one sense of "dive".

a bit of a dump

Highlights the neglected or poor condition of a place.

quite an unexpected event

Focuses on the unexpected nature, if "dive" is used figuratively to describe a surprising occurrence.

a surprising downturn

Highlights the unexpected negative turn or decline of something.

an impressive descent

Replaces "dive" with a more positive connotation when referring to a skillful or dramatic drop.

a dramatic fall

Emphasizes the sudden and significant nature of a decline or drop.

a sudden drop

Highlights the abruptness of the decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite a dive" to describe a place that is run-down but has a certain charm, such as: "The bar was "quite a dive", but it had the best live music in town."

What's a more positive alternative to "quite a dive"?

If you want to avoid negative connotations, consider using phrases like "hole in the wall" or "dive bar", which often imply a cozy or authentic atmosphere.

Can "quite a dive" be used for things other than places?

Yes, "quite a dive" can also describe a sudden or significant drop in something, such as "The company's stock took "quite a dive" after the scandal."

Is "quite a dive" formal or informal?

"Quite a dive" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might choose alternatives such as "significant decline" or "considerable drop" depending on what you are describing.