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at first; in the first place; at the beginning
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ostensibly
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initially
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Usage of 'way'



 
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Usage of 'way' Fri Aug 03, 2007 4:08 am  Usage of 'way'
 

Hi,

Could you please help me make it clear for the following expression?

Quote:
The two boats started off in the dark. Nick heard the oarlocks of the other boat quite a way ahead of them in the mist.... The young Indian pulled the boat way up on the beach.

Do both of the 'way's mean almost the same: far? If so, is it because of following 'quite' that the first 'way' needs 'a' but the second doesn't?

Thank you!

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Usage of 'way' Fri Aug 03, 2007 8:08 am  Usage of 'way'
 

.
Yes, same meaning of distance. 'Quite a' is the fixed phrase-- 'That's quite a hat your wearing!'
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Usage of 'way' Fri Aug 03, 2007 8:45 am  Usage of 'way'
 

Thank you again, MM. Smile It makes things easy and clear to see 'quite a' as a fixed phrase. I didn't realize that.

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Usage of 'way' Fri Aug 03, 2007 9:39 am  Usage of 'way'
 

Quote:
'That's quite a hat your wearing!'

Could you please tell me the meaning of "quite a" in the above sentence?

Tom
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Usage of 'way' Fri Aug 03, 2007 12:37 pm  Usage of 'way'
 

Hi Tom

Look here.
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Usage of 'way' Fri Aug 03, 2007 12:40 pm  Usage of 'way'
 

Hi Tom,

'Quite a ...' is used to express admiration/surprise/respect for something/someone in excess of what you would usually expect.

Quite a sum of money! = a very considerable amount of money

Quite a woman! = a very attractive and impressive woman

Quite a reputation! = a very high reputation.

Hope this elucidates.

A
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