quite the

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "quite the" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an expression used when something is surprising or unexpected. Example: She's quite the talented musician, with her impressive piano skills.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not quite the same.

The New York Times

Quite the reverse happened.

The New Yorker

Quite the contrary.

The New York Times - Food

Quite the duo!

The New York Times

"Quite the conundrum".

The New York Times - Travel

Quite the series.

The New York Times

Quite the feast.

Independent

Quite the quick turnaround.

The New York Times

Quite the young ladies.

The New Yorker

Quite the turnaround.

Independent

Quite the opposite, actually.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite the" to express surprise or mild amusement about a situation or characteristic. It often implies an unexpected or noteworthy quality.

Common error

Avoid using "quite the" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or objective descriptor is required. In such contexts, opt for alternatives that convey the intended meaning with greater clarity and formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite the" functions as an intensifier, typically used before a noun or noun phrase to express surprise, acknowledgment, or mild amusement. It highlights a notable or unexpected quality, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite the" is a versatile phrase used to express acknowledgment, surprise, or amusement about a particular quality or situation. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. While its usage is acceptable, it may not always be appropriate for highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives such as "truly the" or "certainly the" can be used to achieve a similar effect with varying degrees of formality. Remember to use "quite the" when you want to highlight something noteworthy or unexpected in a conversational or descriptive manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly the

Replaces "quite" with "truly", stressing the genuine nature of something.

certainly the

Substitutes "quite" with "certainly", indicating a strong degree of assurance.

absolutely the

Substitutes "quite" with "absolutely", emphasizing a complete and total aspect.

remarkably the

Replaces "quite" with "remarkably", intensifying the degree of surprise or unexpectedness.

unquestionably the

Replaces "quite" with "unquestionably", indicating something beyond doubt.

undeniably the

Replaces "quite" with "undeniably", highlighting an indisputable aspect.

genuinely the

Substitutes "quite" with "genuinely", emphasizing authenticity or sincerity.

distinctly the

Substitutes "quite" with "distinctly", highlighting a clear and easily recognizable characteristic.

decidedly the

Substitutes "quite" with "decidedly", suggesting a clear and unambiguous quality.

noticeably the

Replaces "quite" with "noticeably", focusing on something easily observed or apparent.

FAQs

How is "quite the" used in a sentence?

"Quite the" is used to express surprise or acknowledgment of something notable. For example, "She's quite the artist" indicates she is a remarkable artist.

What phrases can I use instead of "quite the"?

You can use alternatives like "truly the", "certainly the", or "remarkably the" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

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

While grammatically correct, "quite the" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. Formal writing may benefit from more precise language.

What does it imply when someone says "quite the"?

It typically implies the speaker finds something noteworthy, surprising, or amusing. It's a way of acknowledging a significant or unexpected quality in a person, object, or situation.