quite big

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite big" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when you want to express that something is larger than something else, but not necessarily enormous. For example: "The house had a nice garden, and it was quite big."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quite big.

The New Yorker

"I got quite big.

The Guardian - Sport

But apparently not quite big enough.

The New York Times

"She's quite big," he said.

The New Yorker

e360: And they obviously get quite big.

Yale University

"Is Pacino's head quite big?" Brydon wondered.

The New Yorker

"There's quite big late-night drinking.

The Guardian

9) That's right – quite big wasps.

The Guardian - Film

"There were some quite big changes..

The Guardian

"Wearable technology is quite big," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Quite small elephants and quite big wasps.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite big" to describe something that is larger than average but not extremely large. It's a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts, from describing physical objects to abstract concepts.

Common error

While "quite big" is acceptable in many contexts, consider using more precise or sophisticated vocabulary in formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "considerably large" or "significantly large" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite big" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the size or extent of something, indicating that it is larger than average but not excessively so. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite big" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe something that is larger than average but not exceptionally large, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. While versatile, it may be prudent to opt for more formal alternatives like "considerably large" or "remarkably big" in professional or scholarly settings. When aiming to describe a noticeable but not extreme size, "quite big" remains a reliable and easily understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably large

Emphasizes the substantial degree of largeness; slightly more formal.

appreciably large

Highlights that the size is noticeable and significant; slightly more formal.

remarkably big

Stresses the surprising or noteworthy aspect of the size.

notably large

Indicates that the size is worth mentioning or paying attention to.

significantly large

Focuses on the important or impactful nature of the size.

substantially big

Highlights the considerable amount or degree of bigness.

fairly substantial

Implies a good amount of size or quantity; slightly more understated.

moderately large

Suggests a size that is above average but not excessively so.

reasonably big

Indicates a size that is adequate or acceptable for the purpose.

largish

A more informal term suggesting something is on the larger side.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite big" to describe the size of something, as in, "The garden was "quite big", perfect for growing vegetables".

What are some alternatives to saying "quite big"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "considerably large", "remarkably big", or "appreciably large".

Is "quite big" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "quite big" may be considered informal for academic or professional contexts. More precise alternatives like "significantly large" or "substantially big" may be preferred.

What's the difference between "quite big" and "very big"?

"Quite big" implies something is larger than average but not exceptionally so, whereas "very big" suggests a greater degree of largeness. "Very big" is stronger and more emphatic than "quite big".