quite a vs quite the

Both 'quite a' and 'quite the' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Quite a' is used before a noun to indicate a considerable amount or degree, while 'quite the' is used before a noun to emphasize that something is the best example of its kind.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 67 views

quite a

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'quite a' before a noun to indicate a considerable amount or degree of something.

Examples:

It was quite a challenge to finish the project on time.
She has quite a collection of vintage records.
He made quite a mess in the kitchen.
It's quite a long way to the nearest town.
That was quite a surprise!

Show examples from the web [+]

You know, this man is quite a famous fellow.
When she shows up, it's quite a difference.
These affairs had quite a guest list.
Your greed attracted quite a guest.
Marion's prepared quite a birthday feast.
You missed quite a revelation last night.
Could fetch quite a price around here.
His penultimate chapter ended with quite a struggle.
Apparently Macpherson has amassed quite a collection of warehouse artifacts.
Suddenly feel this is quite a responsibility.
The program is quite a surprise.
Sounds like you had quite a night.
Most people find this quite a hassle.
Sir John Templeton was quite a personality.
That's quite a strong statement.
Insomnia is quite a complicated problem for conventional medicine.
Well this was quite a big show.
Well, this is quite a predicament.
I know this probably comes as quite a disappointment.
Your vic had quite a night.

Alternatives:

very a
rather a
fairly a
pretty a
somewhat a

quite the

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'quite the' before a noun to emphasize that something is the best example of its kind.

Examples:

She is quite the artist.
He is quite the gentleman.
That was quite the performance.
She is quite the cook.
He is quite the athlete.

Show examples from the web [+]

That must've given you quite the sense of accomplishment.
Well, Ben, you look quite the gentleman.
You're quite the Boy Scout, Clive.
Not quite the challenge I expected.
She's not quite the blooming bride.
Turns out you got quite the underground following.
You got quite the family tree.
You've become quite the litigator.
Your friend Fitz here is quite the charmer.
That was quite the performance yesterday.
Guy had quite the last meal.
Boyfriend wrote quite the article about you.
Not quite the welcome you imagined.
They're quite the fashion nowadays.
Young Max is quite the photographer.
That's quite the masculine haircut.
Sounds like quite the emotional goodbye.
That was quite the performance you put on today.
I noticed you have quite the setup in your garage.
OK, not quite the response I was fishing for.

Alternatives:

very the
rather the
fairly the
pretty the
somewhat the

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