a bit of arrogance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of arrogance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of arrogance in someone's behavior or attitude. Example: "While he is generally humble, there is a bit of arrogance in the way he talks about his achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Forbes

BBC

Huffington Post

Los Angeles Times

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I think he's got a bit of arrogance about him," Mr. Hickenlooper said recently.

The New York Times

There's a bit of arrogance, a thin skin and political genius.

The New York Times

I might throw in AC Grayling for a bit of arrogance and Nick Clegg for a bit of haplessness.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm looking for a bit of eccentricity and for a bit of arrogance, which means you're almost not afraid to say what you think.

The New York Times

I'm just saying we're different and I think it takes a bit of arrogance and a bit of something that men have got more than women.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And I think it's a bit of arrogance, more or less: who has to be on top and who has to be on the bottom".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I suppose I still had a bit of youthful arrogance, being an employee of the biggest taxpayer in town, and I told them that the official deadline was 5 p.m. and they should wait until 5 p.m. before calling.

Forbes

There's maybe just a wee bit of arrogance when a founder thinks that their startup is the only dividing line between broad, participatory political speech and the decline of Western Civilization.

TechCrunch

A little bit of arrogance I would suggest that they are naturally gifted and dont need to respect or analyse our opponents.

BBC

They are the ones with the confidence, the perseverance and perhaps more than a tad bit of arrogance in their belief that they can be instruments of revolution.

Huffington Post

But I had to wonder if there wasn't just a little bit of arrogance on my part in that wherever I go, whatever country I visit, I don't even try to pick up the language, before, during or after.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit of arrogance" to subtly critique behavior or attitudes without being overly harsh. It's a gentler way to point out inflated self-importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of arrogance" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language to describe arrogance in different ways for richer and more nuanced writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of arrogance" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Forbes

10%

BBC

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit of arrogance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a slight degree of overconfidence or self-importance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and adaptable to various contexts, although most prevalent in news and media. Alternatives like "a touch of conceit" or "a hint of hubris" can offer more formal or nuanced expressions. When employing this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and message. It’s important to avoid overuse and consider varying vocabulary for richness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of conceit

Replaces 'arrogance' with 'conceit', implying a slightly more subtle and perhaps vain form of arrogance.

a hint of hubris

Substitutes 'arrogance' with 'hubris', suggesting excessive pride and self-confidence, often leading to downfall.

a shade of presumption

Replaces 'arrogance' with 'presumption', indicating an assumption of privilege or entitlement.

a degree of self-importance

Replaces 'arrogance' with a more descriptive phrase, highlighting the inflated sense of one's own significance.

a soupçon of haughtiness

Uses 'haughtiness' to describe a disdainful arrogance, and 'soupçon' to express a small amount.

a tinge of superiority

Replaces 'arrogance' with 'superiority', emphasizing the feeling of being better than others.

a sliver of egotism

Substitutes 'arrogance' with 'egotism', suggesting an excessive focus on oneself.

a whiff of pomposity

Replaces 'arrogance' with 'pomposity', conveying an air of self-importance and exaggerated formality.

a dash of swagger

Suggests a confident and somewhat arrogant manner, replacing 'arrogance' with 'swagger'.

a speck of condescension

Replaces 'arrogance' with 'condescension', implying a patronizing attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit of arrogance" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit of arrogance" to describe someone's slight overconfidence or haughty behavior, such as "He showed "a bit of arrogance" when discussing his achievements."

What's a more formal way to say "a bit of arrogance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a degree of self-importance" or "a hint of hubris", which can be more suitable in professional or academic contexts.

Is it always negative to have "a bit of arrogance"?

While generally negative, in certain competitive fields, "a bit of arrogance" might be interpreted as confidence or self-assurance, though it should be balanced with humility.

What are some phrases similar to "a bit of arrogance" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "a touch of conceit", "a shade of presumption", or "a tinge of superiority" to express similar nuances of arrogance.