quite a work

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite a work" is a correct phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the difficulty or magnitude of a task or process. For example, "Building this website was quite a work of art!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the children discovered a number of miniature golf courses all over France and the writer got quite a work out.

The New Yorker

Eliza Fay (1756-1816) wan actualual Englishwoman, even if she was also, in the words of E. M. Forster, quite "a work of art".

The New York Times - Travel

In precise terms, no doubt it isn't, but nor is it quite a work of invention; this is learning born of direct experience.

Independent

(Anderson) O.A.R. (Friday and Saturday) Quite a work ethic stews below the surface of this band of laconic, soundtrack-darling jam-rockers; this week the Maryland quintet carries a sold-out, five-night residency at the glam Bowery Ballroom.

The New York Times - Arts

On the royal family "The Queen is all right and Princess Diana is a goddess, but most of the rest are so awful it is quite a work to describe their vulgarity".

The Guardian

(Anderson) O.A.R. (Tuesday to Thursday, through March 10) Quite a work ethic stews below the surface of this band of laconic, soundtrack-darling jam-rockers; this week the Maryland quintet carries a sold-out, five-night residency at the glam Bowery Ballroom.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's quite a work-out but Sophie Ross and Johnny Carr are frighteningly talented.

The Guardian

She'll be getting quite a work-out with the remote control because at 10.35pm it's straight back to BBC1 for Fern Britton and Alan Carr presenting the conclusion of Comic Relief Does The Apprentice.

The Guardian

JayBird hasn't quite mastered a work around here.

TechCrunch

It was quite a week's work.

The New York Times - Sports

Famously, after 6 p.m. on quite a few work days, they would sit down for drinks at the White House.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite a work" to acknowledge substantial effort, skill, or complexity in a task or creation. It's often used when the outcome is impressive or noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "quite a work" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler expressions like "good job" or "well done" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a work" typically functions as a noun phrase complement, offering an evaluation or description of a particular task, creation, or endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite a work" is a versatile phrase used to express admiration or acknowledge significant effort and skill involved in a task or creation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across news, media, and general contexts. While grammatically correct and generally neutral in tone, it's best to reserve it for situations where a touch of appreciation is warranted. Remember to consider the context and choose more specific synonyms like "remarkable achievement" or "impressive feat" for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a masterful creation

Highlights the artistry and expertise involved.

a remarkable achievement

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the accomplishment.

an impressive feat

Emphasizes the skill and difficulty involved.

a sterling example

Emphasizes the exceptional quality of the work as a model.

an outstanding effort

Highlights the level of dedication and energy invested.

an admirable piece

Focuses on the praiseworthy qualities of the work.

a noteworthy accomplishment

Emphasizes the importance and memorability of the achievement.

a significant undertaking

Focuses on the scale and complexity of the task.

a commendable job

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the effort.

a considerable task

Highlights task size or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite a work" to describe something that required significant effort or skill. For example, "The restoration of the old building was "quite a work"."

What are some alternatives to "quite a work"?

Alternatives include "remarkable achievement", "outstanding effort", or "impressive feat", depending on the specific context.

Is "quite a work" formal or informal?

"Quite a work" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is suitable for many contexts, but avoid overuse in very casual settings.

What's the difference between "quite a work" and "a lot of work"?

"Quite a work" implies admiration for the effort and skill involved, whereas "a lot of work" simply indicates that a task was time-consuming or laborious. Saying something was "quite a work" often carries a more positive connotation.