predeterminer
1
BAD : This year the work at university is quite harder than last year.
GOOD : This year the work at university is rather harder than last year.
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Before comparative forms use rather, slightly, somewhat or (especially in informal styles) a bit, a little (NOT quite ): 'My new office is rather smaller than my old one.' 'He's slightly older than me.'
Note however the common exception: 'Yes, I'm feeling quite better, thank you.' (= completely recovered)
2
BAD : There are quite many foreign students in London.
GOOD : There are quite a lot of foreign students in London.
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quite a lot (of) NOT quite many/much : 'Quite a lot of time has already been wasted.' I've made quite a lot of new friends.'