a bit cursory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit cursory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is done quickly and without attention to detail, often implying a lack of thoroughness. Example: "The report was a bit cursory, lacking the in-depth analysis we expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The drug-smuggling plot feels a bit cursory yet it moves us towards a satisfying showdown, with all guns blazing.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Not sufficiently so however not to pitch up and find covers on, a bit of cursory mopping going, and the umpires chatting away to Jack Birkenshaw, wearing his Brit tracksuit, a legacy from his time as a coach to the England Women no doubt.

The Guardian - Sport

I didn't end signing up, only realizing after a bit of cursory research that the institution was probably a cult.

Vice

It's one of the more dubious life stories we've heard in a bit, but after some cursory research it appears most of it is true.

Vice

Yet plenty of scenes seem a bit flat, too... a cursory run-through of over-familiar material, making the jokey comments about only doing this for the money ring true.

The Guardian

If Ms. Martin considers her precautions a bit silly, native New Yorkers find such cursory tactics, and the generally cavalier attitude that fuels them, both dangerous and, in a way, disrespectful to the city.

The New York Times

From a cursory look at city gas stations, police officers with the power to determine who gets to cut in line, are well positioned to make a bit of extra cash, too.

The New York Times

A bit.

The New York Times

"A bits a bit.

Forbes

A bit of everything.

BMC Health Services Research

GP6 A bit crap.

BMC Palliative Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit cursory", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspect is lacking thoroughness. For example, specify whether it's a "a bit cursory" review, examination, or approach.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit cursory" when the situation demands a stronger critique. If something is significantly flawed due to lack of attention, consider using phrases like "grossly negligent" or "completely inadequate" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit cursory" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically describing the manner in which an action is performed. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it modifying nouns like "research", "glance", "review", and "investigation".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bit cursory" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something lacking in thoroughness or depth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, but users should be mindful of overstating the lack of attention when more severe criticism is warranted. Related phrases include "slightly superficial" and "rather hasty", offering alternative ways to express similar meanings. Its usage spans diverse authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its validity and adaptability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat cursory

This phrase is extremely similar, only substituting the article 'a' with the adverb 'somewhat'.

slightly superficial

Similar to "somewhat superficial", but uses "slightly" to indicate a minor degree of superficiality.

a little shallow

Similar to the original, but replaces "cursory" with "shallow", suggesting a lack of depth.

a tad superficial

Replaces "a bit" with "a tad", keeping the meaning similar while offering a different colloquial expression.

somewhat superficial

Replaces "a bit" with "somewhat", suggesting a slightly more formal tone and emphasizing the superficiality.

slightly surface-level

More explicitly describes the action as only scratching the surface, indicating a lack of deep exploration.

rather hasty

Focuses on the speed and lack of deliberation, replacing the focus on superficiality with one on speed.

rather quick

Focuses on the speed of the action, similar to "rather hasty", but with a slightly less negative connotation.

somewhat perfunctory

Emphasizes the routine or indifferent nature of the action, suggesting it was done without enthusiasm.

somewhat brief

Highlights the brevity of the action, suggesting a lack of detail due to time constraints.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit cursory" to describe something that lacks thoroughness or is done quickly. For example: "The review was "a bit cursory", and missed several key points."

What are some alternatives to "a bit cursory"?

Alternatives include "slightly superficial", "rather hasty", or "somewhat perfunctory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a bit cursory"?

While "a bit cursory" generally implies a lack of thoroughness, it's not always negative. It can simply describe something that was intentionally brief or quick, especially if thoroughness wasn't essential.

What's the difference between "a bit cursory" and "superficial"?

"A bit cursory" suggests a quick or brief examination, whereas "superficial" implies a lack of depth or understanding. Something can be "a bit cursory" in its approach but still avoid being entirely superficial.