quite the reverse

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite the reverse" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as an emphatic way of saying that the opposite of what has just been stated or suggested is true. For example, "I thought that the movie was great, but my friend thought it was terrible - quite the reverse, in fact!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quite the reverse.

The New York Times

Quite the reverse happened.

The New Yorker

"In fact, quite the reverse.

The Guardian

It was quite the reverse.

The New York Times

It's quite the reverse.

The Guardian - Money

Indeed, quite the reverse.

The Guardian

I'd say quite the reverse.

Independent

Quite the reverse actually".

The Guardian

Quite the reverse in fact.

The Guardian

In fact quite the reverse.

The Guardian

If anything, quite the reverse.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite the reverse" to provide a strong contradiction or to emphasize that the opposite of a statement is true. It adds a level of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "quite the reverse" when a simple "no" or "not really" would suffice. It's best reserved for situations where you want to make a firm, somewhat elegant, correction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite the reverse" functions as an emphatic adversative expression. It's used to introduce a statement that directly contradicts or negates a preceding one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite the reverse" is a phrase used to emphatically express that the opposite of a previous statement is true. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While relatively formal, it's a versatile phrase for strongly disagreeing or correcting a misconception. Alternatives like "on the contrary" and "just the opposite" can be used for similar effect, depending on the desired level of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the contrary

Indicates a direct contradiction or opposition to a previous statement.

quite the contrary

Similar to "quite the reverse", but emphasizes disagreement or contradiction.

just the opposite

Emphasizes that the true situation is the complete opposite of what was suggested.

exactly the opposite

Highlights that the correct state of affairs is the precise opposite of what was mentioned.

the very opposite

Highlights the extreme contrast between what was said and what is actually the case.

conversely

Introduces a statement or idea that reverses the one previously made.

in fact, the opposite is true

States explicitly that the opposite of what was said is actually correct.

if anything, the opposite is true

Suggests that if there's any truth to the matter, it leans towards the opposite.

far from it

Denies a previous statement strongly and implies the opposite is true.

not at all

Expresses strong disagreement and suggests the opposite is closer to the truth.

FAQs

How can I use "quite the reverse" in a sentence?

"Quite the reverse" is used to strongly contradict a previous statement. For example, "I thought the project would be difficult; "quite the reverse", it was surprisingly easy."

What's a simpler way to say "quite the reverse"?

Alternatives include "on the contrary", "just the opposite", or "not at all". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "quite the reverse" formal or informal?

It's considered relatively formal and adds a touch of sophistication to your writing or speech, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "quite the reverse" and "the opposite"?

"Quite the reverse" is a more emphatic and stylistic way of saying "the opposite". It's not just stating a contrary fact but doing so with added force.