quite intelligent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite intelligent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who possesses a significant level of intelligence, often implying a positive assessment of their cognitive abilities. Example: "She is quite intelligent, often coming up with innovative solutions to complex problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But I was quite intelligent.

The Guardian

People are quite wise, quite intelligent, yes".

The New Yorker

He was a very nice fellow and quite intelligent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She seems quite intelligent and can write with clarity.

The New York Times - Books

Generally nocturnal, the tree-climbing sun bear is shy and retiring but quite intelligent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Bassolé described the warlord as "very open, quite understanding, quite intelligent".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

She has high-level functioning autism, which means that she is a fully capable, rather intelligent, and quite personable woman who sometimes has to deal with things in her brain being a little weird.

Vice

"What they all have in common is they are quite complicated, intelligent narratives but they are entertaining at the same time" she said.

The Guardian

"I find her to be quite fiercely intelligent and also fearless — not a combination you see very often but it can be pretty breathtaking when the alchemy is just right".

The New York Times - Arts

My sense is that he's at least as gifted as Garver may have been at that age, but perhaps not quite as intelligent or self-analytical — which could bode well for him.

The New Yorker

Schoolwork, he says, was never really a priority: "Though Graeme's not a genius, he's quite an intelligent lad, but he got by without really, shall we say, exerting himself.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "quite intelligent", provide specific examples or context to illustrate their intelligence, making your assessment more credible and impactful. For instance, "She is quite intelligent, consistently solving complex problems with innovative solutions".

Common error

Avoid using "quite intelligent" without supporting details, as it can sound vague or insincere. Instead of simply stating someone is "quite intelligent", offer concrete examples of their problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, or innovative thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite intelligent" functions as an adjective phrase used to describe a noun (person, animal, or thing). It indicates a notable degree of intelligence. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite intelligent" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone or something possessing a notable level of intelligence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it is best used with supporting details to enhance credibility. For alternatives, consider "very intelligent" or "fairly intelligent" depending on the context. Avoid overstating intelligence without concrete examples to prevent sounding vague or insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively intelligent

Focuses on intelligence relative to a benchmark.

relatively intelligent

Highlights intelligence in comparison to others or a general standard.

very intelligent

Emphasizes a high degree of intelligence.

fairly intelligent

Indicates intelligence to a reasonable extent.

rather intelligent

Similar to "quite", but with a slightly more subdued tone.

quite clever

Replaces "intelligent" with "clever", focusing on quick-wittedness.

quite smart

Uses "smart" instead of "intelligent", indicating practical intelligence.

perfectly intelligent

Emphasizes that someone is intelligent without deficiencies.

quite wise

Uses "wise" instead of "intelligent", referring to experience and judgment.

totally intelligent

Suggests that someone is filled with intelligent.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite intelligent" to describe someone's notable intellect. For example, "He is "quite intelligent" and excels in advanced mathematics".

What are some alternatives to saying "quite intelligent"?

Alternatives include "very intelligent", "fairly intelligent", or "rather intelligent" depending on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "quite intelligent" formal or informal?

"Quite intelligent" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "very intelligent".

What's the difference between "quite intelligent" and "quite clever"?

While both describe a positive cognitive attribute, "intelligent" refers to general mental capacity and reasoning, while "clever" often implies quick-wittedness or ingenuity. Therefore, "quite clever" might be more appropriate when referring to problem-solving skills or inventiveness.