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Poll: It's ____ the best film I've seen this year.
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It's ____ the best film I've seen this year.

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  #1  
Old 27-Oct-2003, 23:11
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Default Quite\rather

What's the rule?
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Old 28-Oct-2003, 04:33
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I would vote neither. I might say:
  • It's simply the best film I've seen this year.

Or:
  • It's definitely the best film I've seen this year.

:)
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  #3  
Old 28-Oct-2003, 23:15
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Maybe it's BE.
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Old 28-Oct-2003, 23:25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tdol
Maybe it's BE.
I think so.

:wink:
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  #5  
Old 28-Oct-2003, 23:37
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We use quite\rather with the base form of an adjective, rather with the comparative and quite with the superlative.
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Old 03-Jul-2005, 12:36
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Default Re: Quite\rather

Can I say 'rather' used in negative meaning whereas 'quite' in positive?
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  #7  
Old 03-Oct-2005, 18:33
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Default Re: Quite\rather

"Quite" and" rather",though somewhat similar,have basic contextual and grammatical diferences.While "rather",more often than not,shows contrast "quite"does the work of emphasis...It's RATHER unusual...a change from naturality...it's been quite an age...emphasis....

Last edited by rhapsomatrics; 03-Oct-2005 at 18:40.
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  #8  
Old 14-Nov-2006, 22:30
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Default Re: Quite\rather

Quote:
Originally Posted by rhapsomatrics View Post
"Quite" and" rather",though somewhat similar,have basic contextual and grammatical diferences.While "rather",more often than not,shows contrast "quite"does the work of emphasis...It's RATHER unusual...a change from naturality...it's been quite an age...emphasis....
Rather can be used in two different ways:
1. With negative adjectives: The soup is rather cold. In this case "fairly is used with positive adjectives: The soup is fairly hot.
2. With positive adjectives when it changes its meaning to "very" and imply surprise: His office was rather tidy. He was rather intelligent. The speaker here expresses his/her surprise at sth not expected.
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Old 14-Nov-2006, 22:45
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Default Re: Quite\rather

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tdol View Post
We use quite\rather with the base form of an adjective, rather with the comparative and quite with the superlative.
Well, who'd a thunk it - learn something every day.

b

PS
On re-reading, I guess I should explain: 'Who would have thought it?' (a common expression of surprise at a new discovery) - sorry, it just came out that way.

Last edited by BobK; 15-Nov-2006 at 10:06. Reason: PS added
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  #10  
Old 16-Nov-2006, 10:54
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Default Re: Quite\rather

I think 'thunk' has earned its place in our, er, thunking.
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