quite rightly

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite rightly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to preface a point in an argument that you believe to be correct. For example, "Quite rightly, the new regulation has been introduced to ensure public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quite rightly, too.

Independent

And quite rightly too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Quite rightly, frankly.

The Guardian - Sport

And quite rightly so.

The Guardian

Quite rightly so.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Well, quite rightly I kicked myself.

The Guardian

It quite rightly died a horrible death.

The Guardian - Opinion

Quite rightly, we remained among the living;.

The New Yorker

Quite rightly, Capello made us all move.

Independent

"Quite rightly people have concerns".

The Guardian

Quite rightly, it won awards.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite rightly" to introduce a statement of agreement or justification, ensuring it aligns with the tone and context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "quite rightly" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pompous. Opt for more natural alternatives like "rightly so" or "understandably" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "quite rightly" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing that something is correct, just, or appropriate. It typically modifies a verb or clause, expressing agreement or justification. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Academic sources

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite rightly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express strong agreement or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. While commonly found in News & Media and Science, its usage can be adapted for various contexts. To prevent overuse, particularly in informal settings, consider alternative phrases like "justifiably so" or "rightfully so". Remember that "quite rightly" is best employed when you wish to emphasize the validity or appropriateness of a particular action or statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rightfully so

Emphasizes the moral or legal rightness of something.

justifiably so

Emphasizes the justifiable nature of the action or decision.

by all rights

Expresses that something is rightfully or legitimately the case.

with perfect justification

Highlights the strong and valid reasons behind something.

with good reason

Highlights the sound reasoning behind an action or belief.

understandably so

Focuses on the understandable nature of a reaction or situation.

appropriately so

Indicates that something is fitting or suitable in the given context.

logically so

Highlights the logical consequence of an action or decision.

deservedly so

Suggests that something is earned or merited.

fairly enough

Implies that something is reasonable or equitable.

FAQs

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

"Quite rightly" is typically used to express agreement with a previous statement or action. For example, "The council rejected the proposal, quite rightly, as it was not in the public's best interest."

What are some alternatives to "quite rightly"?

Alternatives include "justifiably so", "with good reason", or "rightfully so" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "quite rightly" or "rightly so"?

Both phrases are correct, but "quite rightly" tends to be slightly more formal and emphatic than "rightly so". The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

Can "quite rightly" be used sarcastically?

While typically used to express genuine agreement, "quite rightly" can be employed sarcastically in certain contexts to imply the opposite of what is being said, depending on tone and delivery. However, this usage is less common.