quite well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is above average or satisfactory. For example, "I am doing quite well in my English course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I sleep quite well".

The New York Times - Arts

It's quite well behaved".

Independent

They play quite well.

The New York Times - Sports

"I knew him quite well.

Independent

Humor does travel quite well.

The New York Times

(It turned out quite well).

The New Yorker

He played it quite well.

Independent

I know Noam quite well.

The New York Times

I know it quite well".

The New York Times - Sports

"It was quite well hidden.

Independent

Some are doing quite well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite well" to express a positive assessment without overstating the quality. It is suitable when you want to convey that something is better than average, but not necessarily exceptional.

Common error

While "quite well" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for stronger, more precise adverbs like "very", "highly", or "exceedingly" to add impact to your statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite well" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express the degree or extent to which something is done or is true. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing performance, condition, or quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite well" is a versatile adverbial phrase that conveys a positive but not superlative assessment. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions to express satisfaction, approval, or competence. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a broad range of contexts, with the highest frequency of use observed in news and media sources. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, overusing it in very formal contexts should be avoided in favor of more emphatic alternatives. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "quite well" is a correct and usable phrase in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very well

Emphasizes a high degree of success or quality, increasing the intensity compared to "quite well".

rather well

Indicates a slightly less emphatic degree of success or quality than "very well", maintaining a similar level to "quite well".

fairly well

Suggests a moderate level of success or quality, implying that something is satisfactory without being exceptional.

reasonably well

Highlights that something is good enough for a particular purpose, focusing on adequacy.

pretty well

Informal way to indicate that something is done to a good standard.

adequately

Focuses on the fact that something is sufficient or acceptable for a given purpose or requirement.

satisfactorily

Directly states that something meets the required standards or expectations.

competently

Highlights the skill and ability with which something is done, emphasizing proficiency.

sufficiently

Focuses on the fact that there is enough of something, or that something is good enough, for a specific purpose.

decently

Implies a basic level of respectability or acceptability, suggesting something is done without being outstanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite well" to describe how someone performs an action, such as "She plays the piano "quite well"". It can also describe a state or condition, such as "I am feeling "quite well" today".

What are some alternatives to "quite well"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "very well", "fairly well", or "reasonably well". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is there a difference between "quite well" and "very well"?

While both phrases indicate a positive assessment, "very well" typically implies a higher degree of excellence or success than ""quite well"". "Quite well" suggests something is above average, while "very well" suggests it is highly successful.

When is it appropriate to use "quite well" in writing?

"Quite well" is suitable for use in a variety of contexts, ranging from informal conversations to more formal writing. It's a versatile phrase that conveys a positive impression without being overly emphatic. Using it can make your writing more balanced and nuanced.