quite able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite able" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a combination of the adverb "quite" meaning "completely" or "entirely," and the adjective "able" meaning "capable" or "skilled." Together, they mean "fully capable" or "very skilled." Here are some examples of how to use "quite able" in a sentence: - Despite his young age, he was quite able to handle the responsibilities of the job. - She proved to be quite able in managing the project, completing it ahead of schedule. - The team was quite able to adapt to the changing circumstances and still come out victorious. - Even though she was nervous, she was quite able to give a flawless presentation. - The new employee was quite able in learning the complex software program quickly. In all of these examples, "quite able" is used to describe someone's capabilities or skills. It emphasizes that they are not just capable, but they are very capable or highly skilled.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was never quite able to make it succeed, though.

The New Yorker

Right now, we're not quite able to do that.

The New York Times

Naughton was calm and articulate and seemingly quite able.

The New Yorker

I was never quite able to get past it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He seems not quite able to articulate why he'd want to be mayor.

The New Yorker

She inches across its surface, not quite able to squeeze under the lines of light.

Independent

(Mr. Gurney isn't quite able to smooth over the awkwardness of these entrances and exits).

The New York Times

But inadequately staffed as it was, it was never quite able to connect the dots.

The New York Times - Books

Most of the cast is lovely, and quite able to win over the cynics, with grace.

The New York Times

Bopara was not quite able to see things out himself either.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlike Mr. Stracher, we feel quite able to resist the call of the suburbs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite able" when you want to express a strong degree of capability or competence, but avoid overusing it in close proximity to other similar phrases to maintain variety in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "quite able" when a simple "able" suffices. "Quite able" is best reserved for situations where you want to emphasize a notable degree of capability or a surprising level of competence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "quite able" is to act as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, enhancing the description of a noun by emphasizing the degree of ability. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite able" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that effectively communicates a strong degree of capability or competence. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, most notably in news and media sources. When writing, it's best practice to reserve "quite able" for situations where you want to underscore a significant level of skill and avoid redundancy by mixing similar expressions close together. Although it suits a range of formality levels, it avoids overly casual or technical language. Alternatives include "perfectly capable", "fully competent", and "highly skilled", offering subtle shifts in emphasis to suit the specific message you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly capable

Emphasizes complete capability with a slightly stronger tone.

fully competent

Focuses on the possession of necessary skills and knowledge.

highly skilled

Highlights the level of expertise in a particular area.

extremely proficient

Stresses exceptional skill and efficiency.

very adept

Suggests a natural talent or quickness in learning.

eminently qualified

Indicates suitability for a specific role or task based on qualifications.

well-equipped

Focuses on having the necessary resources and abilities.

up to the task

Implies readiness and capability to handle a challenge.

equal to the challenge

Emphasizes the ability to meet difficult demands.

more than capable

Suggests capability exceeding what is required.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite able" to describe someone's skill or capacity to do something, like: "She is "quite able" to manage the project effectively." or "He proved to be "quite able" to handle the pressure."

What are some alternatives to "quite able"?

Alternatives include "perfectly capable", "fully competent", or "highly skilled", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "quite able" or "very able"?

"Quite able" and "very able" are similar, but "quite" can suggest a slightly higher degree of capability than "very". The choice depends on the specific context and the emphasis you want to create.

Can "quite able" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "quite able" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express a strong degree of competence or capacity. For similar usage, you can consult reliable resources and grammar guides online.