this was quite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was quite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a degree of emphasis or intensity regarding a situation or experience. Example: "This was quite an unexpected turn of events that left everyone speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This was quite wrong.

The Economist

This was quite a turn.

The New York Times

This was quite a sight.

The New Yorker

This was quite a turnaround.

The Economist

This was quite the opposite.

Independent

"This was quite important to them".

The New York Times - Science

This was quite the response.

The Guardian - Sport

This was quite a vision.

The New York Times - Arts

This was quite the 48th birthday.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Production-wise, this was quite straightforward.

Vice

And this was quite a famous, exposing part".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was quite" to subtly express surprise, mild intensity, or a notable degree of something without being overly dramatic. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "this was quite" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and impactful language to convey your meaning with greater clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was quite" functions as an intensifier, adding emphasis or qualification to the statement that follows. Ludwig AI demonstrates how this phrase is utilized to express a degree of something unexpected or noteworthy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was quite" is a versatile intensifier used to express mild surprise, notable degree, or understatement. As shown by Ludwig AI, it's prevalent in news and media, yet adaptable for both informal and professional contexts. While grammatically sound and widely understood, overusing it in formal writing should be avoided. Alternatives such as "this was rather" or "this was surprisingly" may offer greater precision depending on the specific context. Overall, this phrase is a handy tool for adding subtle emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was rather

Replaces "quite" with "rather", indicating a slightly lesser degree of intensity or surprise.

that was fairly

Substitutes "quite" with "fairly", suggesting a moderate level of something.

it was remarkably

Uses "remarkably" instead of "quite", implying something noteworthy or exceptional.

it proved unexpectedly

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of something, replacing the more general "quite".

that turned out surprisingly

Focuses on the surprising outcome, modifying the original emphasis.

it was surprisingly

Directly expresses surprise using "surprisingly" rather than the more nuanced "quite".

that was unexpectedly

Highlights the unexpected nature of an event or situation, providing a more specific emphasis.

this was truly

Replaces "quite" with "truly", to intensify the statement.

it was considerably

Uses "considerably" instead of "quite" to indicate significant impact.

that was rather

Substitutes "quite" with the more mild "rather" to soften the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "this was quite" in a sentence?

You can use "this was quite" to express surprise, mild intensity, or a notable degree of something. For example, "This was quite an unexpected turn of events" or "This was quite a challenging task".

What are some alternatives to "this was quite"?

You can use alternatives like "this was rather", "this was fairly", or "this was surprisingly depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this was quite" in writing?

"This was quite" is appropriate in various contexts, from news articles to personal anecdotes. However, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings.

What's the difference between "this was quite" and "this was very"?

"This was quite" often implies a subtle degree of surprise or unexpectedness, whereas "this was very" is a more direct and general expression of intensity.