quite handsome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite handsome" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe someone who is physically attractive or appealing. Example sentence: She couldn't help but notice the man sitting across from her was quite handsome.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Romney's sons are quite handsome.

The Guardian

In fact, it's quite handsome.

The New York Times

He was pleasant and quite handsome.

The New Yorker

"He's still quite handsome, despite what happened".

The New Yorker

Mrs Graham looked quite handsome, I thought.

The Guardian

"I think he's quite handsome, except a bit fat".

The New Yorker

Chris Rock "Yes, he is quite handsome I suppose".

The Guardian - Film

Bobby Patrick Duffyy), though still quite handsome, has grey hair, and terminal cancer.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The bridges are quite handsome structures, and they're part of our industrial heritage".

The New York Times

His features might be considered plain, but he has an expression of serentiy & peaceful acceptance that makes him quite handsome.

The New Yorker

He is 42 now, and – if he didn't hide behind the facial fuzz so often – quite handsome.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings but is more common in writing or slightly more formal speech.

Common error

Avoid using "quite handsome" to describe someone or something you find exceptionally beautiful or stunning. The term suggests a moderate level of attractiveness, not an extreme one. For stronger emphasis, use phrases like "very handsome" or "strikingly attractive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite handsome" functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. It describes a subject as possessing a notable, yet not necessarily overwhelming, degree of physical attractiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite handsome" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe someone or something as noticeably attractive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources. While versatile enough for both formal and informal use, it is generally used in professional and news contexts. Alternatives like "very attractive" or "rather good-looking" offer subtle variations in emphasis. Use "quite handsome" when you want to convey a pleasant and agreeable level of attractiveness, avoiding overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very attractive

Replaces "quite" with "very", indicating a strong degree of attractiveness but maintaining a common and direct expression.

extremely attractive

Replaces "quite" with "extremely", intensifying the degree of attractiveness to a higher level.

rather good-looking

Substitutes "handsome" with "good-looking" and "quite" with "rather", offering a slightly more informal and nuanced take on attractiveness.

strikingly attractive

Uses "strikingly" to emphasize the impressiveness of the attractiveness, suggesting a captivating or memorable appearance.

exceptionally handsome

Highlights the exceptional quality of the handsomeness, indicating a rare and superior level of attractiveness.

decidedly good-looking

Employs "decidedly" to reinforce the unambiguous nature of the attractiveness, highlighting a clear and evident appeal.

remarkably attractive

Highlights the surprising or noteworthy aspect of being attractive, indicating a higher level of admiration.

particularly handsome

Uses "particularly" to single out the degree of handsomeness, implying it stands out more than usual.

noticeably handsome

Focuses on the ease with which one can observe the handsomeness, suggesting a hard-to-miss attractiveness.

unusually attractive

Suggests that the attractiveness is beyond the norm or expectation, making it stand out in a unique way.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite handsome" to describe someone or something that is noticeably attractive, but not extremely so. For example: "He was "quite handsome", with a charming smile and piercing blue eyes."

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

"Quite handsome" suggests a moderate degree of attractiveness, while "very handsome" implies a higher, more significant level of attractiveness. "Very handsome" indicates a stronger impression of beauty or appeal than "quite handsome".

What are some alternatives to "quite handsome"?

Alternatives to "quite handsome" include "very attractive", "rather good-looking", or "noticeably handsome". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite handsome" a formal or informal expression?

"Quite handsome" is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards the more formal side, especially in writing. In casual conversation, "pretty attractive" might be more common.