PRE-DETERMINERS

SUCH, WHAT, RATHER, QUITE

These words are normally placed before the indefinite article.

Such and what are often used to express surprise or other emotions:

Examples

  • What a lovely day!
  • She’s such a lovely woman!
  • What an incredible film!
  • He’s such a fantastic guitarist!

Rather and quite are ‘commenting’ words, referring to the degree of a particular quality. They can express disappointment, pleasure, or other emotions, and are used before a/an + adjective + noun:

Examples

  • It’s rather a small car. (= I’m a bit disappointed because it’s small)
  • It was quite a nice day.(= I was agreeably surprised.)
  • He’s had quite a bad accident. (= I’m worried)
  • I’ve just met rather a nice man. (= I’m pleased)