quite precious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite precious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is very valuable or dear, often in an emotional or sentimental context. Example: "The necklace she inherited from her grandmother is quite precious to her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Life is quite volatile and quite precious so just try to be healthy and happy.

Independent

People can get quite precious about people covering their favourite songs can't they?

The Guardian - Music

Even though they tear up to the pitch, snort and stare after propelling the ball at 90mph, they can be really quite precious.

The Guardian - Sport

Eggs were quite precious in the past, and having scrambled egg or omelette made with herbs, vegetables and sweet things was always a winner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They even get quite precious about it, talking about proper scripts and storylines and production values... "I know this is a voyeuristic culture," Welsh says, faintly puzzled, "but people have become sex-mad at a grassroots level".

The Guardian - Books

Every time a Diablo player descends into the catacombs to defeat the forces of evil, the layout is a little different, the bad guys come at them from a different direction, and, perhaps most compelling, the treasure can run the gamut from junk to quite precious indeed.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It wasn't always quite so precious with Mr. Blake.

The New York Times - Arts

The illusion of going to work is quite a precious one.

The Guardian - Books

It's not that he's a muse to writers he knows, such as Andrew O'Hagan, Alan Bennett and Jenny Diski – nothing quite so precious as that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(If the seven isn't quite so precious, or if it's considered toxic, then descendants are free — that is, forced — to round up, to eight over thirty-two, oneoverover four).

The New Yorker

With a program fortified with talks, social events and parties, these two weeks offer quite a precious opportunity for Melburnians to experience the kind of art many would consider challenging.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite precious" when you want to express that something is both valuable and somewhat delicate, whether physically or emotionally. It's suitable for describing objects, memories, or relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "quite precious" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly sentimental or dramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "very valuable" or "highly significant" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite precious" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its quality. It indicates that something is not only valuable but also cherished or delicate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is both correct and widespread.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite precious" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe something of considerable value and often delicate nature. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, but should be used judiciously in more formal settings. While alternatives like "very valuable" or "extremely dear" may be more appropriate in certain situations, "quite precious" effectively conveys both worth and a degree of emotional attachment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very valuable

Replaces "quite" with "very", increasing the emphasis on the value.

extremely dear

Substitutes "precious" with "dear" and enhances the intensity with "extremely", focusing on emotional value.

highly cherished

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective, highlighting the act of cherishing something valuable.

considerably valuable

Emphasizes the degree of value, similar to "quite precious".

remarkably treasured

Highlights that something is both notable and highly valued.

truly priceless

Indicates that something's value is so high it's beyond monetary worth.

exceptionally prized

Emphasizes that something is highly regarded and valued above others.

greatly esteemed

Focuses on the high respect and value placed on something.

incredibly significant

Shifts the focus from inherent value to importance.

exceptionally significant

Highlights the importance and impact, rather than the inherent value.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite precious" to describe something that is both valuable and somewhat delicate. For example: "The antique vase is "quite precious" to her family" or "Their friendship is "quite precious" because of their shared history".

What are some alternatives to "quite precious"?

Alternatives to "quite precious" include "very valuable", "extremely dear", "highly cherished", or "considerably valuable". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "quite precious" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "quite precious" might sound too sentimental for formal writing. In such contexts, consider using alternatives like "very valuable" or "highly significant" to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "quite precious" and "extremely precious"?

"Quite precious" indicates something is valuable and somewhat delicate. "Extremely precious", on the other hand, emphasizes a higher degree of value and importance. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.