a bit of irony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of irony" is correct and commonly used in written English to describe a small amount or instance of something ironic.
Example: The politician's promise to reduce taxes resulted in a bit of irony when it was revealed that he had been evading paying his own taxes for years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Not a bit of irony.

The New Yorker

The criticism carries a bit of irony.

The Washington Post

DiCorcia likes a bit of irony.

The New York Times - Magazine

T.L.: I like a bit of irony in my style.

The New York Times

"There's a bit of irony," said William Legge, a 16-year-old from Charterhouse.

The New York Times - Sports

Some aging experts say discounts reflect tired marketing strategies, and a bit of irony.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Cell phone service here is spotty--a bit of an irony, given that Ross' $1.4 billion fortune rests on his having cofounded the Carphone Warehouse, a retailer of mobile phones.

Forbes

This is a bit of Boothday irony.

The Washington Post

A bit of unchecked irony, Mr. Kors?

The New York Times - Style

In a bit of unintentional irony, the page then asked if an answer was helpful.

The New York Times

A bit of unknowing irony from Tulia's chamber of commerce.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit of irony" to add a subtle layer of meaning to your writing, especially when describing situations that are only mildly contradictory or unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of irony" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can dilute its impact. Consider using synonyms or more descriptive language to convey the specific type of irony you're highlighting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of irony" functions as a modifier expressing a subtle observation of incongruity or contradiction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression to indicate a small amount or instance of something ironic. The examples demonstrate its use in news, style, and opinion pieces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit of irony" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, that introduces a subtle observation of incongruity or contradiction. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to add nuance by highlighting a mild twist in a situation. While adaptable across various registers, the key to effective usage lies in ensuring genuine irony exists and avoiding overuse. Mastering its application can enrich writing by prompting thoughtful reflection on underlying contradictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of irony

Emphasizes a subtle or slight presence of irony.

a hint of irony

Highlights the understated nature of the irony.

a degree of irony

Focuses on the extent or measure of irony present.

an element of irony

Indicates that irony is one component of a larger situation.

a shade of irony

Suggests a subtle variation or nuance of irony.

some irony

A more general way to indicate the presence of irony, without specifying the amount.

a certain irony

Indicates that the irony is noticeable or definite.

an ironic twist

Highlights the unexpected or paradoxical nature of the irony.

the irony is

Directly points out the presence of irony in a situation.

ironically enough

Emphasizes the surprising or unexpected nature of the ironic situation.

FAQs

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

Use "a bit of irony" to describe a situation that contains a slight contradiction or unexpected twist. For example, "There's "a bit of irony" in complaining about internet speeds using an online forum".

What's a good alternative to "a bit of irony"?

Alternatives include "a touch of irony", "a hint of irony", or "some irony", which can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a bit of irony"?

While grammatically correct, overuse or misapplication in situations lacking genuine irony can weaken your writing. Ensure the situation genuinely contains an element of contradiction or unexpectedness.

How does "a bit of irony" differ from stronger expressions of irony?

"A bit of irony" suggests a mild form of irony. Stronger expressions, like "stark irony" or "deep irony", imply a more significant and impactful contradiction.