quite fine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite fine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is satisfactory or acceptable, often in a polite or understated manner. Example: "The meal was quite fine, and I appreciated the effort put into the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Baby is quite fine," she said.

The New York Times

Its mahogany is beautiful and it sounds quite fine.

The New York Times

I'm actually quite fine with having a larger bottom.

Independent

"Some quite fine things came out of that.

The New York Times - Arts

But this is being piggy; this book is quite fine.

The New York Times

The writing is often quite fine and lyrical.

The New York Times - Books

I'm actually quite fine with airlines banning babies in certain classes of ticket.

The New York Times

As the technology advances, the balance between custom and bulk manufacturing may become quite fine.

The Economist

Latham replied: No, I think the average man is doing quite fine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which looks as if it would be quite fine with her – rather nice, in fact.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One is "quite fine", according to Jay Parini, while the other two are "clearly unfinished pieces".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite fine" to express mild approval or satisfaction, particularly when a more enthusiastic endorsement isn't warranted. This phrase is versatile and can apply to objects, performances, or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "quite fine" excessively in formal writing, as it can come across as understated or lacking enthusiasm. Consider stronger adjectives like "excellent" or "superb" for more impactful communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite fine" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a satisfactory or acceptable quality. As shown by Ludwig AI, it expresses a measured assessment, often implying a polite or understated approval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite fine" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey mild satisfaction or acceptability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. It functions as an adjective phrase, indicating a positive sentiment without strong enthusiasm. While appropriate for various contexts, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific writing. When a more forceful endorsement is warranted, consider using alternatives like "perfectly acceptable" or "entirely satisfactory".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly acceptable

Expresses that something is entirely satisfactory, with a slightly stronger emphasis on acceptability.

entirely satisfactory

Similar to perfectly acceptable, but places more emphasis on meeting requirements or expectations.

perfectly adequate

Implies that something meets the necessary standards, but may not be exceptional.

satisfactory enough

Indicates that something is acceptable, but with a hint of reservation.

reasonably good

Suggests that something is above average, but not outstanding.

fairly decent

Informal way of saying something is moderately good.

tolerably well

Implies that something is done adequately, without significant flaws.

adequately good

Focuses on the adequacy of something's goodness, suggesting it's sufficient but not exceptional.

agreeably acceptable

Highlights the pleasant or agreeable nature of something being acceptable.

passably good

Indicates that something is just good enough to pass or be accepted.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite fine" to express that something is satisfactory or acceptable. For example: "The meal was "quite fine", and I appreciated the effort put into the presentation."

What can I say instead of "quite fine"?

Alternatives to "quite fine" include "perfectly acceptable", "entirely satisfactory", or "reasonably good" depending on the context.

Is "quite fine" formal or informal?

"Quite fine" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It is appropriate for both business and casual contexts.

What is the difference between "quite fine" and "very fine"?

"Quite fine" implies a moderate level of satisfaction, whereas "very fine" suggests a higher degree of excellence or quality.