quite a thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite a thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is remarkable or noteworthy. Example sentence: That sunset was quite a thing - a vivid mixture of pastel oranges and pinks!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was quite a thing.

The New York Times

It's quite a thing.

The New York Times

So, yes, quite a thing.

The Guardian

The retirement beard is quite a thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's got quite a thing for wooden shoe lasts, too.

Independent

little boy th GGG was quite a thing.

The Washington Post

Hurt Locker too had quite a thing for military equipment.

The Guardian - Film

"But Garden State was quite a thing in its day.

The New York Times

And it's quite a thing to see in action.

The Guardian - Music

"It was culturally quite a thing for Tatiana, the mother.

The New York Times

Its spec also includes leather seats, which is quite a thing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite a thing" to subtly express admiration or mild surprise. It works well when you want to acknowledge something without being overly enthusiastic.

Common error

Avoid using "quite a thing" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language that directly conveys your assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a thing" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express mild surprise, admiration, or acknowledgement of something noteworthy. Ludwig's examples show its versatility in describing diverse situations and objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite a thing" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to express mild surprise, admiration, or acknowledgement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for neutral to informal contexts, frequently appearing in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in highly formal or academic writing, opting for more precise language instead. The related phrases offer alternatives to suit different tones and emphasis. Understanding its nuances can help writers use it effectively to convey subtle positive assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite an experience

Highlights the personal impact or intensity of an event.

something remarkable

Emphasizes the outstanding nature of the subject.

something noteworthy

Highlights that the subject is worthy of attention.

nothing short of amazing

Expresses a high degree of admiration or astonishment.

a significant matter

Indicates the importance or consequence of the subject.

an impressive feat

Emphasizes skill or effort in achieving something.

an extraordinary occurrence

Focuses on the unusual and exceptional nature of the event.

a sight to behold

Highlights the visual impressiveness.

a considerable achievement

Specifically refers to accomplishments of significant scale.

a real spectacle

Focuses on the impressive and public nature of something.

FAQs

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

"Quite a thing" is used to express mild surprise or admiration, as in, "The magician's final trick was "quite a thing"."

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "something remarkable" or "something noteworthy".

Is it appropriate to use "quite a thing" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "quite a thing" may be too informal for academic writing. More precise language is generally preferred.

What does "quite a thing" imply about the speaker's attitude?

It generally implies a positive sentiment, suggesting the speaker is either impressed or intrigued by something, without being overly effusive.