quite thin

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite thin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the thickness of something, or the degree to which something is lacking. For example, "The envelope contained only a few papers, which were quite thin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Quite thin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now she's gotten quite thin.

The New York Times - Magazine

My father-in-law is quite thin.

The New Yorker

Here, the topping is quite thin, so it bakes quickly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This girl isn't quite thin enough," she whispered to me.

The New Yorker

But, really, kilts actually quite thin on the ground.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All her friends, I think, were quite thin.

The Guardian - Books

(If the skin is quite thin, leave it alone; thicker, peel it off).

The New York Times - Food

This is delicate, quite thin, with fresh peas lurking in the bottom.

The New York Times - Travel

Beat egg and melted butter into bowl of batter; batter will be quite thin.

The New York Times - Food

The shell is quite thin and it's a reasonably good quality white chocolate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite thin" to describe something that is noticeably but not extremely thin. It's suitable for both physical objects and abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "quite thin" as the only descriptor. Provide additional context or details to enhance understanding and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just stating "the paper was quite thin", specify "the paper was quite thin, almost translucent."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite thin" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. The adverb 'quite' intensifies the adjective 'thin', indicating a noticeable but not extreme degree of thinness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite thin" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is noticeably but not excessively slender. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. Its versatility allows it to be used in various contexts, from describing the physical properties of objects to the abstract qualities of evidence or arguments. While primarily used in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts, its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Remember to provide additional context when using "quite thin" to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather slender

Replaces "thin" with "slender", adding a touch of elegance.

somewhat slim

Uses "slim" instead of "thin", suggesting a more positive connotation.

fairly lean

Employs "lean" which can imply healthy thinness.

noticeably underweight

Highlights the potential negative aspect of being very thin.

considerably narrowed

Shifts the focus from people to objects becoming thinner.

remarkably fine

Indicates thinness in terms of texture or consistency, not size.

moderately wispy

Suggests a delicate and airy thinness.

distinctly slight

Highlights a delicate or subtle thinness.

appreciably tapered

Focuses on a gradual reduction in thickness.

measurably reduced

Emphasizes that thinness is the result of some process.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite thin" to describe physical objects like "The pastry was "quite thin" and crispy", or abstract concepts like "The evidence was "quite thin" to support the claim".

What are some alternatives to saying "quite thin"?

Alternatives to "quite thin" include "rather slender", "somewhat slim", or "fairly lean", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "quite thin"?

Yes, "quite thin" is grammatically correct. The word "quite" modifies the adjective "thin", indicating a degree of thinness.

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

"Quite thin" suggests a noticeable but moderate level of thinness. "Very thin" implies a higher, more extreme degree of thinness. "Quite thin" is less intense than "very thin".