In 15 Seconds
- A polite British way to show strong agreement with an opinion.
- Used to confirm that someone is being sensible or logical.
- Sounds professional, confident, and slightly traditional.
Meaning
This is a very British way to say you completely agree with someone. It shows you think their opinion is correct, logical, and sensible.
Key Examples
3 of 6Agreeing with a colleague's idea
We need to double-check the data before the presentation. - Quite right.
We need to double-check the data before the presentation. - I agree completely.
Complaining about bad service
The waiter was very rude; we shouldn't leave a tip. - Quite right, too!
The waiter was very rude; we shouldn't leave a tip. - I totally agree with you.
A formal dinner conversation
It is essential that we preserve these historic buildings. - Quite right, sir.
It is essential that we preserve these historic buildings. - You are correct.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the British cultural value of 'stiff upper lip' and logical pragmatism. It became popular in the early 20th century as a way to show polite, restrained approval without being overly emotional. It is still a staple of BBC-style English and professional discourse.
The 'Posh' Factor
If you use this phrase with a very crisp accent, you will sound very upper-class. Use it sparingly if you want to stay 'one of the people'!
Don't use for facts
Don't use it for simple facts like 'The sun is hot.' Use it for opinions or moral judgments instead.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite British way to show strong agreement with an opinion.
- Used to confirm that someone is being sensible or logical.
- Sounds professional, confident, and slightly traditional.
What It Means
Quite right is a classic British expression for agreement. It is more than just saying 'yes'. It means you think the other person is being very sensible. It suggests their point of view is the only logical one. Think of it as a verbal pat on the back for being smart.
How To Use It
You usually use it as a short response. When someone makes a valid point, you simply say, Quite right. It works perfectly as a standalone sentence. You can also add a bit of emphasis. Try saying, Quite right, too! to show extra support. It sounds confident and decisive.
When To Use It
Use it when someone complains about something unfair. If a friend says, 'We should get a refund for this cold pizza,' you say Quite right. It is great for professional meetings when a boss makes a good decision. It also works well in shops or restaurants. It makes you sound polite but firm. It is the language of someone who knows their mind.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in very emotional or tragic situations. If a friend says, 'I am so sad my cat ran away,' do not say Quite right. That would sound cold and robotic! Also, do not use it with very young children. It might sound a bit too stiff or 'posh' for a playground. It is a logic-based phrase, not a feeling-based one.
Cultural Background
This phrase is deeply rooted in British 'common sense' culture. It reflects a society that values being proper and correct. Historically, it sounds a bit like an old-fashioned gentleman or a school teacher. Today, everyone uses it, but it still carries a tiny hint of that 'proper' British authority. It is the opposite of being dramatic.
Common Variations
You will often hear Quite so or Absolutely. In more modern circles, people might just say Right you are. However, Quite right remains the gold standard for polite, firm agreement. If you want to sound especially British, pair it with a small nod of the head. It completes the look perfectly!
Usage Notes
This expression sits in the formal to neutral range. It is perfect for sounding polite and educated without being overly stiff. Be careful with your intonation; a flat tone can sound a bit dismissive.
The 'Posh' Factor
If you use this phrase with a very crisp accent, you will sound very upper-class. Use it sparingly if you want to stay 'one of the people'!
Don't use for facts
Don't use it for simple facts like 'The sun is hot.' Use it for opinions or moral judgments instead.
The British 'Too'
Adding `too` at the end (Quite right, too!) is a secret way to sound like a local. It shows you feel strongly about the justice of the situation.
Examples
6We need to double-check the data before the presentation. - Quite right.
We need to double-check the data before the presentation. - I agree completely.
Shows professional alignment and support for a careful approach.
The waiter was very rude; we shouldn't leave a tip. - Quite right, too!
The waiter was very rude; we shouldn't leave a tip. - I totally agree with you.
The addition of 'too' adds extra emphasis to the agreement.
It is essential that we preserve these historic buildings. - Quite right, sir.
It is essential that we preserve these historic buildings. - You are correct.
Used here to show respect to someone of higher status.
I've decided to quit my job and travel. - Quite right! Life is short.
I've decided to quit my job and travel. - Good for you, I agree!
Used to validate a friend's big life choice.
It's far too hot to do any actual work today. - Quite right, let's go to the park.
It's far too hot to do any actual work today. - I agree, let's go.
Uses the formal phrase to jokingly justify being lazy.
I told them I can't host Christmas this year. - Quite right, you need a break.
I told them I can't host Christmas this year. - You are right to do that.
Provides emotional validation through logical agreement.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to show polite agreement.
Person A: 'I think we should wait for the rain to stop before walking.' Person B: '___.'
The speaker is making a sensible suggestion, so `Quite right` is the perfect way to agree.
Complete the emphatic version of the phrase.
He deserves a promotion after all that hard work. - Quite right, ___!
Adding `too` to the end of `Quite right` is a common British idiom for extra emphasis.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Agreement
Used with close friends
Too right!
Standard agreement
That's true.
Polite British agreement
Quite right.
Where to use 'Quite right'
Business Meeting
Agreeing with a strategy
At a Shop
Discussing a refund
With Elders
Showing respect
Dinner Party
Discussing politics
Practice Bank
2 exercisesPerson A: 'I think we should wait for the rain to stop before walking.' Person B: '___.'
The speaker is making a sensible suggestion, so `Quite right` is the perfect way to agree.
He deserves a promotion after all that hard work. - Quite right, ___!
Adding `too` to the end of `Quite right` is a common British idiom for extra emphasis.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile it is understood globally, it is much more common in British English. Americans are more likely to say Exactly or That's right.
Not really. If someone asks 'Is the capital of France Paris?', don't say Quite right. Say That's right or Correct instead.
In this specific phrase, quite means 'completely' or 'entirely'. It is a strong form of agreement.
No, it is actually very polite and professional. It shows you are paying attention and agree with their logic.
They are almost identical. Quite so is slightly more old-fashioned and formal than Quite right.
Yes, it works well in texts to show you support a friend's decision, like Quite right, you deserve a holiday!
Yes, the informal/slang version is Too right. You would use that with friends at the pub, but not in a meeting.
Yes, it can be used to show indignant agreement. For example, 'They should be ashamed!' - 'Quite right!'
Absolutely. It is a simple phrase that makes your English sound much more natural and 'native-like' immediately.
Only if your tone is sarcastic. Usually, it is taken as a sincere and serious form of agreement.
Related Phrases
Too right
Informal/Slang version of agreement.
Quite so
A more formal, slightly old-fashioned version.
Spot on
Used when someone's assessment is 100% accurate.
I couldn't agree more
A very strong way to show total agreement.
