quite so

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite so" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express agreement with a previous statement. For example: "He's a very talented musician." "Quite so - he can play multiple instruments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Quite so.

The New York Times

Not quite so sure".

The New York Times - Sports

Not quite so.

The Economist

I'm not quite so sure.

The New Yorker

Dykstra wasn't quite so lucky.

Independent

Not quite so in Britain.

The Economist

Or take quite so long.

The New Yorker

It's not quite so simple.

The Guardian - Arts

We weren't quite so sure".

The New York Times - Sports

Quite so, Ernest.

The Guardian - Travel

Not quite so "exciting".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite so" to add a touch of formality and agreement in your writing, especially in response to a well-articulated point.

Common error

Avoid using "quite so" too frequently, as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic if not used judiciously. Consider using simpler alternatives like "exactly" or "indeed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite so" functions as an affirmative response, indicating agreement or confirmation. Ludwig AI supports this usage, showing it in various contexts where speakers or writers concur with a preceding statement. It's a way to express endorsement or acknowledgment of a point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite so" is a phrase used to express agreement or confirmation, as supported by Ludwig AI. Its function is primarily affirmative, serving to endorse previous statements in a somewhat formal tone. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. While grammatically correct, overusing "quite so" can sound overly formal, so it's best used judiciously. Remember, while "quite so" is correct, alternative expressions like "exactly" or "indeed" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly

A simple and direct affirmation, suitable for most contexts.

precisely

Similar to "exactly", but often used to emphasize accuracy or correctness.

indeed

A more formal way of expressing agreement or acknowledgment.

absolutely

Emphasizes complete agreement or certainty.

that's right

A more conversational way of confirming something.

you're right

Directly acknowledges the correctness of someone's statement.

I agree

A straightforward expression of agreement.

that's correct

Confirms the accuracy of a statement or information.

so true

Expresses strong agreement with something that resonates personally.

without a doubt

Indicates complete certainty and agreement.

FAQs

What does "quite so" mean?

"Quite so" is an expression of agreement, similar to "exactly" or "indeed". It's often used to acknowledge or confirm a statement, typically in a formal context.

Is "quite so" formal or informal?

"Quite so" tends to be more formal than many other expressions of agreement. While appropriate in certain situations, consider using "exactly" or "indeed" for less formal communication.

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

You can use "quite so" in response to a statement you agree with. For example, if someone says, "The data clearly shows a correlation", you might reply, "Quite so, the evidence is compelling".

Are there any synonyms for "quite so"?

Yes, synonyms for "quite so" include "exactly", "indeed", "absolutely", and "that's right". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.