quite explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite explain" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incorrect combination of words, as "quite" is typically used to modify adjectives or adverbs, not verbs like "explain." An example of a correct usage could be: "I can explain the concept quite clearly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody can quite explain why.

The Economist

I can't quite explain it.

The New York Times - Arts

No one can quite explain it.

The New York Times - Sports

And no one can quite explain why.

The Guardian

Which doesn't quite explain the umlaut.

The Guardian

But I couldn't quite explain myself to colleagues and friends.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. Scott cannot quite explain why boxes obsess him.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, this doesn't quite explain Eliot's own practice.

The New Yorker

It doesn't quite explain the yard signs, though.

The New Yorker

That still did not quite explain the choice of personnel.

Independent

No one, it seems, can quite explain it.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "quite explain" with stronger verbs like "fully explain" or "thoroughly explain" to enhance clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "quite" directly with verbs like "explain". Instead, use it to modify adverbs (e.g., "quite clearly") or choose a stronger verb that conveys the intended meaning more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite explain" is used as a verb phrase attempting to modify the action of explaining. However, Ludwig AI indicates this combination is generally considered incorrect in standard English, as "quite" typically modifies adjectives or adverbs rather than verbs directly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "quite explain" appears frequently in various sources according to Ludwig, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI analysis points out that "quite" is best used to modify adjectives or adverbs. For clearer communication, it's recommended to replace "quite explain" with alternatives like "fully explain" or "thoroughly explain". Despite its common occurrence, prioritizing grammatical accuracy will enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully explain

Replaces "quite" with "fully" for a stronger emphasis on complete explanation.

thoroughly explain

Emphasizes the detail and comprehensiveness of the explanation.

completely explain

Indicates an explanation that leaves no aspect unaddressed.

entirely explain

Similar to 'completely explain', stressing totality.

adequately explain

Suggests the explanation is sufficient but not necessarily exhaustive.

satisfactorily explain

Focuses on whether the explanation meets expectations or requirements.

clearly explain

Highlights the clarity and understandability of the explanation.

effectively explain

Indicates that the explanation achieves its intended effect or purpose.

elucidate

Offers a more formal and sophisticated way to express making something clear.

clarify

Focuses on removing confusion or ambiguity from the explanation.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "quite explain"?

Instead of "quite explain", consider using more grammatically sound alternatives such as "fully explain", "thoroughly explain", or "completely explain" depending on the context.

Is "quite explain" grammatically correct?

The phrase "quite explain" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. It's better to use alternatives that clearly and accurately convey your intended meaning.

How can I use "quite" correctly in a sentence with "explain"?

You can use "quite" to modify an adverb that describes how something is explained, such as, "I can explain it "quite clearly"".

What's the difference between "quite explain" and "fully explain"?

"Quite explain" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. "Fully explain" is the standard way to express a complete and comprehensive explanation.