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)