a bit of data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of data" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small amount of information or data in a casual or informal context. Example: "I only need a bit of data to complete my analysis, so please send me the relevant figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

To write a bit of data, a microscope tip, heated to 750 degrees Fahrenheit, softens the plexiglass and dents it.

The New York Times - Science

Before Google, I did quite a bit of data science work, mainly in support of manufacturing at IBM and FormFactor.

University of California, Berkeley

I thought it might be useful to provide a bit of data context for my post on central bank mandates.

The New York Times

Naturally the tyrannosaurs have attracted a lot of attention, but then we have quite a bit of data for them, so this helps a lot.

The Guardian

Embedded in the image was a geotag, a bit of data providing the longitude and latitude of where the photo was taken.

University of California, Berkeley

Buried in that article was a bit of data that, by itself, speaks to a broad shift in American culture — and probably its politics.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

I did a bit of data-crunching here.

The New York Times

Also, each laser pulse heats a tiny space on the disk just enough to make changing its polarity--thereby storing a bit of data--a little easier.

Science Magazine

That technology stores a "bit" of data--a computer's digital ones and zeros--as the common magnetic orientation of hundreds of tiny grains in a thin layer of magnetic material atop a circular platter.

Science Magazine

After filling in a bit of form data, you can download the report.

Forbes

If you're a bit of a data head and like analyzing and number crunching, then head straight for the results section.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit of data", ensure the context clarifies the relevance and impact of that small amount of data.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "a bit of data" if it doesn't provide substantial insights or changes to the overall understanding of a topic. Don't present it as a complete solution when it's only a partial view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of data" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show it referring to a small quantity of information used for various purposes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit of data" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small amount of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, media, and academic discussions. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overstating its significance and to consider more precise alternatives for formal or scientific writing. The phrase effectively conveys the idea of a limited but potentially relevant piece of information. Leading sources using this expression include TechCrunch, Forbes, and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some data

This alternative is a more general term for an unspecified amount of data.

a small amount of data

This alternative is more explicit about the quantity of data being referenced.

a piece of information

This alternative focuses on the informational aspect rather than the data itself.

a data point

This alternative refers to a single, discrete item of data.

a snippet of data

This alternative suggests a small, extracted portion of data.

a fragment of data

This alternative indicates an incomplete or broken piece of data.

a morsel of data

This alternative conveys a very small and perhaps enticing piece of data.

a trace of data

This alternative suggests a minimal and barely detectable amount of data.

limited data

This alternative highlights the restricted availability or scope of the data.

basic data

This alternative emphasizes the fundamental or elementary nature of the data.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit of data" to refer to a small amount of information, as in, "I only need "a bit of data" to finalize my report."

What can I say instead of "a bit of data"?

You can use alternatives like "some data", "a small amount of data", or "a piece of information depending on the context.

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

While "a bit of data" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "a small amount of data" or specifying the exact quantity if known.

What does it mean to say something provides "a bit of data"?

It implies that something offers a small amount of information, which may or may not be significant depending on the context. It suggests that the information provided is not comprehensive or complete.