a bit faster than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit faster than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the speed of two things, indicating that one is slightly quicker than the other. Example: "The new model runs a bit faster than the previous version, improving overall performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

According to a preliminary estimate, GDP grew at a 2% annual rate in the third quarter—a bit faster than in the second quarter but much slower than in the first.The euro area's inflation rate edged up to 1.9% in October from 1.8% in September.

The Economist

They speak a bit faster than they did.

The New York Times - Sports

The storm was moving northwest at 28 m.p.h., a bit faster than forecasters had anticipated.

The New York Times

The economy will grow again, a bit faster than in 2014.

The Economist

That implies the ratio of retirees to workers will rise a bit faster than previously projected.

The Economist

That is a bit faster than the increase over the past five years.

Independent

Well, it means Obama has expanded federal spending a bit faster than President Clinton.

The New Yorker

I sailed onward, chastised and frozen-faced, moving a bit faster than I otherwise would have.

The New Yorker

Obviously, he is a bit faster than me but hopefully it will come on next year.

The Guardian - Sport

"So, yeah, that was a bit faster than I meant to go this morning.

The Guardian - Sport

I narrated the story a bit faster than I would have liked, but thankfully, the crowd chuckled along.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing speeds, use "a bit faster than" to indicate a small, but noticeable difference. It is more informative to quantify this difference when possible (e.g., '5 mph faster').

Common error

Avoid using "a bit faster than" when the actual speed difference is substantial. In such cases, use more descriptive terms like "significantly faster" or provide specific numerical comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit faster than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that one thing possesses a slightly greater speed compared to another, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit faster than" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to make a subtle comparison of speed. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to use more precise language when describing substantial speed differences. The phrase suits neutral registers, though formal alternatives might be preferred in academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A little faster than

Uses 'little' instead of 'bit', providing an almost identical meaning.

Slightly quicker than

Replaces 'bit' with 'slightly' and 'faster' with 'quicker', maintaining a similar meaning.

Marginally faster than

Substitutes 'bit' with 'marginally', implying a minimal difference in speed.

Somewhat faster than

Replaces 'bit' with 'somewhat', indicating a moderate difference in speed.

Faster by a small margin than

Rephrases to specify that the speed difference is by a small margin.

Moderately faster than

Indicates that the speed is faster to a moderate extent.

Noticeably faster than

Emphasizes that the difference in speed is easily observed.

Perceptibly faster than

Indicates that the difference in speed can be sensed or perceived.

A shade faster than

Uses 'shade' to convey a subtle difference in speed.

A touch faster than

Uses 'touch' to indicate a delicate or slight increase in speed.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit faster than" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit faster than" to compare the speeds of two things, such as "This new car is "a bit faster than" my old one".

What's a good alternative to "a bit faster than"?

Alternatives include "slightly quicker than", "somewhat faster than", or "marginally faster than", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

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

While "a bit faster than" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "slightly faster than" or "moderately faster than" may be preferable in academic or professional contexts.

What does "a bit faster than" imply about the difference in speed?

"A bit faster than" indicates a relatively small, but noticeable difference in speed. It suggests that one object or process is not dramatically faster, but perceptibly quicker.