a bit higher than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a bit higher than' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that one number or value is slightly higher than another. For example, "The temperature outside was a bit higher than forecast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Indeed, Obama's is a bit higher than it was a month ago.

The New York Times

That's a bit higher than its projection a year ago, but 25% below its original projection in 2010.

Los Angeles Times

Oblivion came in a bit higher than industry expectations.

Independent

"We think the loss to the rights holders is quite a bit higher than that".

The New York Times

That is a bit higher than the $1.65 billion that analysts expected.

The New York Times

"It is quite a bit higher than expected on the output price side.

The Guardian - Business

Here people pay property taxes that are quite a bit higher than in neighboring towns.

The New York Times

(Hence, they tend to be a bit higher than damage-causing winds at the surface).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its July unemployment rate was 8.8%, a bit higher than the national average.

The Economist

At 8.3%, unemployment is a bit higher than the national figure.

The Economist

The three-month interbank rate is normally a bit higher than the base rate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit higher than" to clearly and concisely express a minor difference between two values or quantities. It's suitable for various contexts, from casual conversation to formal reports.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on phrases like "a bit higher than" without providing specific values or context. While useful for general comparisons, ensure your writing includes concrete data for clarity and precision whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit higher than" functions as a comparative modifier, indicating that one thing is slightly superior or greater in some aspect than another. It serves to establish a comparison where the difference isn't substantial but still noticeable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit higher than" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to indicate a slight difference between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. The phrase is relatively informal and can be enhanced by providing specific values for increased clarity. While alternative phrases exist, "a bit higher than" remains a straightforward and effective way to express minor comparative differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally greater than

Uses "marginally" to emphasize the small degree of difference.

a touch more than

Uses "touch" to signify a small increment.

slightly exceeding

Focuses on the act of exceeding a certain point by a small amount.

minimally surpassing

Focuses on the act of surpassing by a minimal amount.

somewhat above

Employs "somewhat" to indicate a moderate elevation.

fractionally exceeding

Implies that the difference is only a fraction.

a shade over

An idiomatic expression implying a minimal increase.

a hair's breadth above

An idiomatic expression indicating a very small margin.

just beyond

Highlights the position just past a specific threshold.

imperceptibly higher than

Emphasizes that the difference is difficult to notice.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit higher than" to show a slight difference in quantity, value, or degree. For example, "The price is "a bit higher than" I expected".

What are some alternatives to "a bit higher than"?

Alternatives include "slightly higher than", "marginally greater than", or "somewhat above", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to quantify when using "a bit higher than"?

While not always necessary, quantifying the difference can improve clarity. If precision is important, provide specific numbers. If a general comparison suffices, "a bit higher than" is adequate.

What's the difference between "a bit higher than" and "much higher than"?

"A bit higher than" indicates a small difference, while "much higher than" implies a significant difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you wish to emphasize.