a bit of bitterness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of bitterness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of resentment or harshness in a situation or feeling. Example: "After the argument, there was a bit of bitterness lingering between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If it's the latter, however, it's either another show of hand from Columbus GM Scott Howson, showing, as he did after not trading Nash, that he's capable of a bit of bitterness, or it's a sign that all that chatter about Jeff Carter being a bit insufferable might have some truth to it.

The Guardian - Sport

"There was a bit of bitterness there as well - I felt, 'How can you get it that wrong?' I couldn't get it out of my head". The infection can - and has - returned.

BBC

Squeeze a bit of bitterness to remind us that life is not always fair.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The finish is dry and clean with a bit of lingering bitterness and a subtle tang like that of good dark chocolate (and a wisp of smoke if you're looking for it).

Los Angeles Times

As a matter of fact I always remember with a little bit of bitterness because the neighborhood was structurally the buildings were—sound.

Yale University

"I have a great deal of respect for him, I really have no hard feelings," Thomas said Monday of Bird, even if he did let a little bit of bitterness leak into some of his comments about a man who now carries he same title he does -- president of basketball operations.

The New York Times - Sports

"I state this with a little bit of bitterness when last night I was sitting across from an empty chair" at dinner, said Davide Marongiu (Giuseppina Zambellini), a high school athlete in his native Sardinia before being persuaded by a classmate to try ballet.

The New York Times

Whenever a company lays off 500 people, as MySpace did earlier this week when it gave half its employees walking papers, it generates quite a bit of anger and bitterness.

TechCrunch

"But kick away a bit of earth and the bitterness is there". While politicians in both countries say they want to keep the border open, security experts say some controls will be needed to prevent illegal immigration.

Los Angeles Times

Those roles that do stand out from his later career those of Pike Bishop in The Wild Bunch (1969), TV executive Max Schumacher in Network (1976), and hard-drinking film producer Tim Culley in Blake Edwards's S.O.B. (1981; Holden's final film)—captured a bit of Holden's real-life bitterness and depression and added a tinge of melancholy to his screen image.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most useful piece of advice I can impart is to let your case get a little browner than you think it should be at the blind baking stage: you want that crust, that little bit of bitterness, to come through.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit of bitterness", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or reason for the bitterness to provide a complete understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of bitterness" when the situation warrants a stronger term like "extreme anger" or "deep resentment"; accurately reflect the emotional intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of bitterness" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes a slight degree of resentment, acrimony, or negative feeling, as Ludwig suggests.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bit of bitterness" is used to describe a mild amount of resentment or negativity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase is most effective when used to acknowledge a negative sentiment without exaggerating it. When writing, consider the emotional intensity you want to convey and whether a stronger or more nuanced term would be more appropriate. Alternatives like "a touch of resentment" or "a hint of acrimony" can provide subtle variations in meaning. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate the presence of negativity in a situation while maintaining clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little resentment

Uses "little" instead of "bit", expressing a slightly less formal tone.

a slight resentment

Replaces 'bit' with 'slight' to emphasize the mild nature of the feeling.

a touch of resentment

Replaces "bitterness" with "resentment", softening the emotional intensity slightly.

a shade of resentment

Uses "shade" instead of "bit", providing a more subtle nuance.

a degree of resentment

Substitutes with 'degree', suggesting a measurable but limited quantity of bitterness.

a hint of acrimony

Substitutes "bitterness" with "acrimony", emphasizing sharpness and animosity.

a whisper of resentment

Highlights the subtle nature of the resentment, making it almost imperceptible.

a trace of animosity

Employs "animosity" to indicate a hostile feeling, implying a stronger negative sentiment.

a dash of cynicism

Replaces "bitterness" with "cynicism", focusing on a distrustful view of the world.

a tinge of disappointment

Shifts the focus to "disappointment", suggesting a feeling of sadness rather than resentment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit of bitterness" to describe a slight amount of resentment or negativity in a situation. For example: "After the negotiation fell through, there was "a bit of bitterness" between the two companies".

What are some alternatives to "a bit of bitterness"?

Some alternatives include "a touch of resentment", "a hint of acrimony", or "a slight resentment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a bit of bitterness" in formal writing?

While "a bit of bitterness" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and nuanced language to describe the specific emotion or situation.

What's the difference between "a bit of bitterness" and "a lot of bitterness"?

"A bit of bitterness" suggests a small amount of resentment, while "a lot of bitterness" implies a significant and intense feeling of resentment. The choice between the two depends on the degree of negativity you want to convey.