quite heavy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite heavy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a significant weight or is heavier than expected, often in a subjective manner. Example: "The box was quite heavy, making it difficult for her to lift it alone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's quite heavy though.

Independent

He's quite heavy.

The New York Times

"It was quite heavy.

The Guardian

Quite heavy, though.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Yes, the ass is quite heavy".

The New Yorker

And water is quite heavy.

The Guardian - Tech

'Sounds quite heavy, doesn't it?

The Guardian - Film

"The children are all quite heavy.

The New York Times

It must be quite heavy, Ruth thought, or something.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I find video art quite heavy-going.

The Guardian

Imran is about 6ft and quite heavy-looking.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite heavy" to describe something, consider the context. Is it physically heavy, emotionally heavy, or heavy in terms of workload? Choose vocabulary that reinforces the specific type of heaviness you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "quite heavy" as a generic descriptor. If something is truly burdensome or of significant weight, consider stronger synonyms like "very heavy", "extremely heavy", or "unbearable" to more effectively communicate the intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite heavy" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to describe their weight or intensity. As Ludwig indicates, it is correct and usable in written English, serving to qualify the degree of heaviness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

19%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite heavy" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjectival phrase that describes a significant degree of weight or intensity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Its frequency is very common, it is seen across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context when using "quite heavy" and to choose more descriptive vocabulary when greater precision or emphasis is needed. For alternatives, you might consider "fairly weighty", "considerably burdensome", or "noticeably substantial" to reflect more nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly weighty

Replaces "heavy" with "weighty" and "quite" with "fairly", emphasizing the physical weight.

significantly weighted

Highlights the characteristic of having significant weight added or being literally heavy.

decidedly weighty

Similar to 'fairly weighty' but uses 'decidedly' to express an obvious degree of heaviness.

moderately hefty

Uses "hefty" as a synonym for heavy and "moderately" for quite.

considerably burdensome

Shifts from physical weight to a metaphorical burden, using "burdensome" to indicate difficulty.

noticeably substantial

Emphasizes the significant size or amount, rather than just weight.

rather massive

Indicates large size and weight, using "massive" to amplify the heaviness.

remarkably dense

Focuses on the compactness and mass of an object.

extremely cumbersome

Focuses on the difficulty in handling due to size and weight.

appreciably ponderous

Replaces "heavy" with "ponderous", suggesting slow and clumsy movement due to weight.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite heavy" to describe the weight of an object, the intensity of a situation, or the emotional burden someone carries. For instance, "The box was quite heavy to lift" or "The news was "quite heavy" to bear".

What are some alternatives to saying "quite heavy"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "fairly weighty", "considerably burdensome", or "noticeably substantial".

Is it grammatically correct to say "quite heavy"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Quite" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "heavy", indicating a degree of heaviness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

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

"Quite heavy" suggests a noticeable degree of weight, whereas "very heavy" implies a greater degree. "Very heavy" is a stronger, more emphatic way to express that something has significant weight.