quite special

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite special" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a variety of situations, but it typically means something is unique or particularly noteworthy. Example: The birthday cake she made for her daughter was quite special, decorated with homemade fondant and personalized sprinkles.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's quite special".

Independent

"She was really quite special".

The New York Times

"Her vision was quite special.

The New York Times

"That would be quite special".

The New Yorker

Some quite special homes.

The Guardian

It really is something quite special.

Independent

The specifics are quite special.

The New York Times

'You feel quite special here.

The Guardian

It was all quite special.

The Guardian - Music

Sijie: I think it's quite special here.

University of California, Berkeley

I know my daughter is quite special.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite special" to subtly emphasize that something is more than just ordinary; it has a distinct or noteworthy quality.

Common error

Avoid using "quite special" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact. Opt for more specific adjectives to describe what makes something unique, such as "extraordinary", "distinctive", or "remarkable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite special" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a heightened degree of uniqueness or noteworthiness. Ludwig shows various examples where it describes everything from personal qualities to events and objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite special" is a versatile and commonly used adjectival phrase that conveys a heightened degree of uniqueness or noteworthiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in a variety of contexts. Usage analysis reveals its prevalence in news and media, academic writing, and scientific discourse, indicating a neutral register. To enhance writing, consider using specific adjectives instead of over-relying on this phrase. For semantically similar alternatives, you can explore phrases like "very unique", "particularly remarkable", or "truly exceptional". By varying your word choice, you can add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very unique

Replaces 'special' with 'unique' and adds 'very' for emphasis, focusing on the distinctiveness.

particularly remarkable

Substitutes 'special' with 'remarkable' and 'quite' with 'particularly', highlighting the noteworthiness.

exceptionally significant

Uses 'significant' instead of 'special', adding 'exceptionally' to intensify the importance.

remarkably distinctive

Combines 'remarkable' and 'distinctive' to emphasize both the noteworthiness and unique character.

truly exceptional

Replaces 'quite special' with 'truly exceptional' to convey something that stands out.

decidedly uncommon

Uses 'uncommon' in place of 'special', highlighting the rarity or infrequency.

unusually notable

Emphasizes the prominence or fame of something using 'notable' instead of 'special'.

singularly important

Highlights the unparalleled importance using 'singularly' and 'important'.

genuinely outstanding

Conveys a sense of superior quality or performance with 'genuinely outstanding'.

uncommonly impressive

Uses 'impressive' to focus on the ability to evoke admiration or respect.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite special" to describe something that stands out or is unique. For instance, "The sunset tonight was quite special" or "She has a quite special talent for music".

What are some alternatives to "quite special"?

You can use alternatives like "very unique", "particularly remarkable", or "truly exceptional" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite special" formal or informal?

"Quite special" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may be more common in less formal settings. A more formal alternative might be "particularly noteworthy".

What's the difference between "quite special" and "very special"?

"Quite special" suggests a subtle emphasis on the uniqueness or noteworthiness of something, while "very special" indicates a higher degree of importance or significance. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.