quite soft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite soft" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a gentle or mild texture or quality, often in relation to sound, touch, or flavor. Example: "The fabric of the blanket is quite soft, making it perfect for snuggling on cold nights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are quite soft.

The Guardian - Business

In fact it's quite soft.

Independent

Let it cook until it's quite soft.

The New York Times

Certainly within the cultural world the boundaries are quite soft.

The Guardian

Working hours are also long and deadlines are quite soft.

The Guardian

But down in the fine print, there's evidence that labour markets have remained quite soft.

The Economist

The latest consumer price index numbers form the US were quite soft.

The Economist

Continue to cook, stirring often, for about 10 minutes, until the peppers are quite soft.

The New York Times - Health

"Their total order backlog is quite soft," said Mr. Toy of AlixPartners.

The New York Times

2. Add the thyme and carrot and cook 5 minutes, until carrot is quite soft.

The New York Times - Magazine

They'll be quite soft at this point, but will firm up as they cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing textures, consider using "quite soft" to convey a nuanced level of gentleness that is more than just "soft" but not excessively so. For instance, "The cashmere sweater was quite soft against her skin."

Common error

Avoid using "quite soft" simply as a filler phrase. Ensure it adds meaningful emphasis to the softness you're describing. If the softness is unremarkable, consider using just "soft" or a more descriptive adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite soft" functions primarily as an intensifier ("quite") modifying an adjective ("soft"). Ludwig AI confirms this usage is common and acceptable. It serves to specify a degree of the quality being described, indicating something is more than just soft but not extremely so.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Food

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite soft" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a nuanced level of softness. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is correct and applicable in various contexts such as news, lifestyle, and science. It is advisable to use "quite soft" when accuracy is paramount and to be mindful to avoid overuse as filler; in such a case, simpler alternatives may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly gentle

Replaces "soft" with "gentle", focusing on the mildness or kindness of something.

moderately tender

Substitutes "soft" with "tender", suggesting a delicacy or ease of cutting/handling.

slightly cushioned

Implies a degree of softness due to padding or a yielding surface.

somewhat muted

Shifts the focus to sound, implying a reduced intensity or volume.

relatively smooth

Replaces "soft" with "smooth", highlighting the lack of texture or roughness.

rather pliable

Focuses on the flexibility or bendability of something.

reasonably subdued

Highlights a lack of intensity or brightness, particularly in color or light.

a little delicate

Emphasizes the fragility or sensitivity of something.

mildly tempered

Suggests a reduction in strength or severity.

gently yielding

Focuses on the giving or flexible quality of a material under pressure.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite soft" to describe textures, sounds, or even abstract concepts that have a gentle quality. For example, "The music was "quite soft" and soothing" or "The deadline is "quite soft", allowing for some flexibility".

What are some alternatives to "quite soft"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "fairly soft", "rather soft", or "moderately soft" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "quite soft" formal or informal?

"Quite soft" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality often depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

Can "quite soft" be used to describe things other than physical textures?

Yes, "quite soft" can be used metaphorically to describe non-physical things. For instance, one might say "The criticism was "quite soft"", meaning it was gentle or mild.