a bit broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit broken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slightly damaged or not functioning properly. Example: "The old chair is a bit broken, but it still serves its purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It feels like an industry that is a bit broken.

Independent

I wrote it because I felt a bit broken.

The Guardian

They seem fairly happy, albeit a bit broken and bruised".

The Guardian

It looks a bit broken at the moment, from the outside.

Independent

But if you are sensitive, then it means these filters are a bit broken.

The Guardian - Film

Dinner at The Wolseley followed by drinks back at his hotel bar have left him a bit broken.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

And he was a bit – broke the rules, do you remember?

The Guardian

Stretch a bit, break free of tradition, and explore the world of options available to you.

Science Magazine

Age them down a bit, break them up".

Wikipedia

Use some penetrating oil to aid removal and remember that, sometimes, tightening a nut or bolt just a bit, breaks it free, allowing your to remove the bolt or nut.

WikiHow

Even though my father was a carpenter, everything in our shotgun house was a little bit broken.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit broken" to describe something that is still usable or functional despite minor damage or imperfections. This phrasing softens the impact compared to saying something is completely broken.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit broken" when describing something that is severely damaged or completely non-functional. This can minimize the seriousness of the issue and mislead your audience. In such cases, use stronger terms like "severely damaged" or "completely broken".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit broken" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is slightly damaged or not fully functional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for describing minor imperfections.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bit broken" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe something that is slightly damaged or not fully functional. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it appears frequently in news and media, and Wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral to informal tone. It's important to avoid overusing this phrase for severely damaged items, as it can minimize the seriousness of the issue. Consider more formal alternatives like "slightly damaged" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly damaged

Focuses on the physical state of being imperfect or harmed to a small degree.

somewhat flawed

Emphasizes the presence of imperfections or defects.

partially inoperative

Highlights the reduced functionality of something.

a little defective

Indicates a minor issue with the construction or quality.

a touch imperfect

Downplays the severity of the issue, suggesting it's barely noticeable.

a shade impaired

Implies a slight reduction in ability or effectiveness.

a degree compromised

Focuses on the reduction of quality or integrity.

a fraction non-functional

Highlights that only a small part is not working.

mildly malfunctioning

Describes a situation where something isn't working as it should but not severely.

somewhat out of order

Indicates a temporary or partial disruption in normal operation.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit broken" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit broken" to describe something that is slightly damaged or not working perfectly. For example, "The website is "a bit broken" today, so some features might not work properly."

What are some alternatives to "a bit broken"?

Alternatives to "a bit broken" include "slightly damaged", "somewhat flawed", or "partially inoperative", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a bit broken" in formal writing?

While "a bit broken" is understandable, it may be too informal for professional writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "slightly damaged" or "partially inoperative" in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "a bit broken" and "completely broken"?

"A bit broken" implies that something is still somewhat functional despite minor damage, whereas "completely broken" means that it is no longer functional at all. The phrase "a bit broken" suggests that the damage is not severe, and the item might still be usable to some extent.