quite unlike

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite unlike" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to compare two objects, ideas, or people. For example, "Olivia and James are quite unlike each other in terms of their personalities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Liberia is quite unlike Somalia.

The Economist

"THE brain is quite unlike a computer.

The Economist

Each is quite unlike the others.

The New York Times - Travel

Quite unlike a film set, of course.

The New Yorker

She is quite unlike any other poet writing today.

The Economist

But a Sickert feels quite unlike a Monet.

Independent

It's a sound quite unlike anything you've ever heard before".

The New York Times

The effect was strange, funny, quite unlike anything else.

The New York Times - Arts

He is quite unlike anyone I have ever met.

The Guardian

It really is quite unlike any other ice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Palatino was quite unlike anything produced in pre-war Germany.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite unlike" to draw a clear distinction between two subjects, enhancing clarity and preventing misinterpretation. For example, "The new policy is "quite unlike" its predecessor, focusing on prevention rather than punishment."

Common error

Avoid using "quite unlike" when the difference is only slight or superficial. Reserve it for cases where the dissimilarity is significant and meaningful to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite unlike" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective or adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI shows, it emphasizes the dissimilarity between two things, indicating a significant difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite unlike" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a substantial difference between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While adaptable to both formal and informal contexts, it's essential to reserve it for significant dissimilarities. To diversify your writing, consider alternatives like "completely different" or "markedly different". Mastering its appropriate use will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not at all similar

A straightforward expression indicating a lack of similarity.

completely different

Highlights the total disparity between two things.

entirely dissimilar

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity, indicating a more extreme difference than "quite unlike".

nothing like

Suggests a strong degree of dissimilarity, implying that one thing is nothing like the other.

markedly different

Highlights a noticeable and significant distinction, suggesting a clear contrast.

substantially different

Indicates a considerable difference in terms of quantity, size, or importance.

fundamentally distinct

Indicates a basic and essential difference in nature or character.

distinctly contrasting

Focuses on the opposition or divergence between two things, implying a clear and easily noticeable difference.

bear no resemblance to

Suggests a complete absence of similarity or likeness, indicating a fundamental difference.

a world apart

Emphasizes a vast and significant difference, suggesting two things are completely separate and distinct.

FAQs

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

Use "quite unlike" to emphasize the dissimilarity between two things. For example, "This novel is "quite unlike" her previous works, exploring themes of isolation rather than connection."

What phrases are similar to "quite unlike"?

Alternatives to "quite unlike" include "completely different", "entirely dissimilar", and "distinctly contrasting". The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to emphasize.

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

Yes, "quite unlike" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to indicate differences. However, consider stronger alternatives like "fundamentally distinct" if you need to convey a more significant difference.

What is the difference between "quite unlike" and "slightly different"?

"Quite unlike" indicates a significant difference, while "slightly different" suggests only a minor variation. Use "quite unlike" when the distinctions are substantial and impactful; otherwise, "slightly different" is more appropriate.