a bit further

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit further" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about a distance, such as in the following sentence: We decided to drive a bit further to get to the beach before sunset.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quite a bit further, it seems.

The New Yorker

Could you explain a bit further?

University of California, Berkeley

First, let's go back a bit further.

The Guardian

Mr. Fischer went a bit further.

The New York Times

His fans go a bit further.

The New York Times

Some software can go a bit further.

The New York Times - Tech

Some took that logic a bit further.

The Washington Post

"Let's take your hypothesis a bit further.

Independent

The next step is to go a bit further.

Harvard University

Wish you could unfold a bit further down the line.

University of California, Berkeley

A bit further back now, can you remember Malcolm Christie?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit further" to indicate a relatively small increment or extension in distance, time, or degree. It is suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

While "a bit further" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal documents. Opt for more precise language like 'to a greater extent' or 'slightly beyond' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit further" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate direction, extent, or degree. It specifies a relative increase or progression, as demonstrated by Ludwig, in examples ranging from physical distance to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit further" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a slight increase or progression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While its register is typically neutral, formal writing might benefit from more precise alternatives. Remember to use "a bit further" when you want to suggest moving slightly beyond the current point, whether literally or figuratively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little farther

Synonymous, but uses the word 'farther' which specifically relates to physical distance.

a little bit more

Similar meaning, but uses more words to say the same thing.

a step further

Indicates taking an additional action or making an additional advancement.

a tad more

Informal way of saying 'slightly more'.

slightly ahead

Indicates a position that is marginally more advanced or in front.

just beyond

Highlights the proximity to a specific limit or boundary.

somewhat beyond

Suggests a point that extends a certain distance past a reference point.

slightly onward

Emphasizes the direction of movement or progression.

marginally more

Emphasizes a slight increase or addition in a measurable aspect.

to a greater extent

Signifies an increase in degree or magnitude.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit further" to indicate a slight increase in distance, degree, or time. For example, "Let's drive "a bit further" to find a better spot" or "Could you elaborate "a bit further" on your proposal?".

What are some alternatives to saying "a bit further"?

Alternatives to "a bit further" include "slightly ahead", "a little farther", or "somewhat beyond", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a bit further" in formal writing?

Yes, "a bit further" is generally correct, but in highly formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives such as "to a greater extent" or "slightly more" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

What is the difference between "a bit further" and "much further"?

"A bit further" indicates a small increase, while "much further" suggests a significantly larger increase. Use "a bit further" for minor adjustments and "much further" for substantial advancements.