a bit of tape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of tape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount or piece of tape, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I just need a bit of tape to fix this box before we send it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Usually you stick on a bit of tape, forget it and get on with it, but it's better that it's happened now and not six months before 2012.

Independent

Phil shouted "Action!" and I said my lines as demurely as I could, squinting at a fence post with a bit of tape on it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The folks at Hillheat.com directed me tonight to a fresh post on Think Progress apparently revealing a bit of tape doctoring that clearly distorts what Mr. Gore said.

The New York Times

Barring a thin layer of protection across the shoulders – for the smaller man in the 15-man game – all players will have a gum shield, a bit of tape here and there and nothing more, or they'd risk the ridicule of their team-mates after the full-time whistle.

Independent

Apparently a bit of tape works nicely.

TechCrunch

"I didn't particularly wear a headguard (when playing rugby), I just used a bit of tape," he said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Perhaps that is why a bit of taped narration that juxtaposed an account of a woman trying to draw with a report of an unexpected death seemed irrelevant to the action, even though the stories were anecdotally interesting.

The New York Times - Arts

On the one hand, compliance with E-Verify adds a bit of red tape.

The Economist

Now, the UK loves a bit of red tape, but registering every single bike?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's very much like a razor blade and a bit of sticky tape.

The Guardian - Music

(Shorts? Swimsuits? Pfft! Sometimes just a bit of masking tape over the vital spots will do).

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "a bit of tape" to describe a minor, easily applied adhesive step. It avoids sounding overly technical or requiring precise measurements, making instructions user-friendly.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of tape" in formal reports or technical documents where precision is key. Opt for more specific terms like "a measured strip of adhesive tape" to maintain professionalism and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of tape" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase indicates using a small quantity of adhesive tape for various purposes, such as repairs or temporary fixes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Tech

12.5%

Less common in

Arts

6.25%

Formal & Business

3.125%

Academia

3.125%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bit of tape" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a small amount of adhesive tape, often used for quick fixes or temporary solutions. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, though it's more appropriate for informal settings than formal or scientific writing. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. Alternatives like "a small piece of tape" or "a strip of tape" can provide more precision when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small piece of tape

Replaces "bit" with "small piece" for more emphasis on size.

a little tape

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

a strip of tape

Uses "strip" instead of "bit" to suggest a long narrow piece.

a touch of tape

Substitutes "bit" with "touch" implying a very minimal amount.

a dab of tape

Replaces "bit" with "dab", suggesting a small amount applied lightly.

a snippet of tape

Emphasizes that the piece of tape is small and possibly remnant.

a scrap of tape

Implies the tape is a leftover or discarded piece.

some tape

More general term, simply indicates a quantity of tape.

a fraction of tape

Suggests a tiny, almost negligible, quantity of tape.

a segment of tape

More formal way to refer to a piece of tape.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit of tape" to describe using a small amount of tape for a quick fix, such as, "I used "a bit of tape" to hold the broken piece together".

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

Alternatives include "a small piece of tape", "a strip of tape", or "a little tape", depending on the specific context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a bit of tape" is generally more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language like "a measured segment of adhesive tape".

When is it best to use "a bit of tape" over "some tape"?

"A bit of tape" implies a smaller, perhaps almost insignificant, quantity compared to "some tape". Use "a bit of tape" when the amount is truly minimal and meant for a temporary or light-duty application.