Quite an interesting text blog - quite right!

The word “quite”

 

In English, the word “quite”  can be difficult to use accurately.

 

Here is the definition from “dictionary.com”

 

quite

–adverb

1. completely, wholly, or entirely: quite the reverse; not quite finished. 

2. actually, really, or truly: quite a sudden change. 

3. to a considerable extent or degree: quite small; quite objectionable.

 

It is difficult for someone learning English to know when it means the same as (1)  which means “completely” or when it means the same as (3) meaning “to  considerable extent”

 

In usual everyday “standard” English, the word “quite” is mostly used for (3)

 

Quite a lot of people went to the cinema yesterday (a considerable number of people)

Quite a happy bunch of friends (my friends are happy in general, but not everyone is happy 100% of the time)

My house is quite big (big, but not very big)

 

For some expressions it means (1)

Quite right! (completely right)

Quite mad !(completely insane)

Quite a catch! (your girlfriend/boyfriend is really good looking – a good choice!)

So, be careful to learn the meaning of quite.

 It is quite something to have quite a good understanding of quite, because quite a lot of people haven't quite got the hang of quite and quite a lot of people quite often make quite a mess of "quite"!

Bye

Alan