quite literate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite literate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a good level of reading and writing skills, often in a context where you want to emphasize their proficiency. Example: "Despite the challenges he faced in school, he is quite literate and enjoys reading complex novels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But we live and work in an increasingly disjointed health care system that presumes patients are quite literate.

The New York Times - Health

Advertisements for Mark Cross in the late '50s and '60s are not merely text-heavy, as ads were at that time (I think of the smart ads that Bill Blass did in the '60s), but also quite literate and amusing.

The New York Times

"Reuben, Reuben," published three years after "The Blood of the Lamb," was twice as long as any earlier De Vries novel; it had three interlocking sections, the best of these narrated by a not quite literate Connecticut chicken farmer named Frank Spofford.

The New Yorker

Despite an early comment that Hayes was "quite literate and generally a good letter writer" (p. 17) and a late reference to the "frankness" of her correspondence with the Italian impresario Lanari (p. 296), Walsh seldom quotes from her letters (and nothing in the preface or acknowledgments indicates that he was prevented from doing so).

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The churchgoing Thomas is quite biblically literate, often citing the Bible to bolster his conservative economic and political positions.

Huffington Post

"I mean literally literate".

The Guardian

No one makes quirky, literate pop quite like Regina Spektor.

The Guardian

It was the task of the Cruz inner circle and Mr. Tyler to help define a man acknowledged to be highly intelligent and deeply principled, and quite possible the most literate and learned candidate in the race.

Huffington Post

It's a witty, literate mix that never quite got the attention it deserved.

Vice

Not quite an economist's definition of financially literate, but if people do not know these things already, they probably should.TuesdayTHE first session was well attended.

The Economist

After all, how often do we get to hear the inner voice of a fat, funny, literate, working-class teenager from Wolverhampton? Quite.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite literate" to describe someone with a noticeable command of language, both in reading and writing, surpassing basic literacy.

Common error

Avoid using "quite literate" when describing someone who is simply literate; reserve it for those who demonstrate a higher level of proficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite literate" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically a person. It describes the degree of literacy, indicating a level above basic literacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. The examples show how it qualifies individuals' reading and writing skills.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite literate" is a descriptor indicating a level of literacy that surpasses the basic ability to read and write, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is generally used to describe someone who has a noticeable command of language. Although the phrase is not exceptionally common, with Ludwig finding limited examples, it maintains a presence across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic publications. When you aim to convey that someone possesses a noteworthy skill in reading and writing, making them "quite literate" is an appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

literate to a degree

Emphasizes that the person is literate, but to some extent.

very well-read

Emphasizes the breadth and depth of reading experience.

highly educated

Highlights the level of formal education attained.

decently educated

Suggests an acceptable level of formal education.

well-informed

Focuses on having a good understanding of current events and general knowledge.

moderately versed

Implies a reasonable familiarity with a particular subject or field.

intellectually astute

Emphasizes a sharp and perceptive intellect.

reasonably articulate

Highlights the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively.

fairly knowledgeable

Indicates a good level of knowledge across various subjects.

somewhat cultured

Focuses on appreciation and understanding of the arts and humanities.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite literate" to describe someone who has a strong understanding and command of written language. For instance, "Despite his humble background, he was "quite literate" and enjoyed reading classic literature."

What's the difference between "literate" and "quite literate"?

"Literate" simply means able to read and write, while ""quite literate"" implies a higher degree of proficiency and comprehension in literacy skills.

Are there any alternatives to using the phrase "quite literate"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "very well-read", "highly educated", or "intellectually astute" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite literate" formal or informal?

The phrase ""quite literate"" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in slightly more formal settings.