a bit off

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bit off" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not quite right, such as "The flavor of this dish is a bit off".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It seems a bit off, though.

The New York Times

It seems a bit off, somehow.

The New Yorker

"This is a bit off," observed one Formula One mechanic.

The Guardian - Sport

"I just think the timing was a bit off".

BBC

We were a bit off in some areas.

BBC

Still, something seemed a bit off to us.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I do find it a bit off-putting," Coogan continued.

Independent

A bit off-balance and way off target.

The New York Times

Some of the obsessiveness may get a bit off-putting.

The New York Times

But it all sounded a bit off-message.

The Guardian

And then Andy went a bit off-script.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit off" to describe someone's behavior or mood, ensure the context is clear to avoid misunderstandings. It often implies a temporary state of being unwell or not at one's best.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit off" when you mean something is significantly wrong or completely incorrect. It suggests a slight deviation, not a major flaw.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit off" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is not quite right, accurate, or in its usual state. Ludwig examples show its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bit off" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase indicating that something is slightly wrong or not quite right. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although more formal language may be preferred in certain settings. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, and less so in formal or scientific writing. When using "a bit off", ensure the context clearly indicates the degree of deviation you intend to convey, and consider related phrases like "slightly amiss" or "not quite right" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not quite right

Indicates something is not perfect or accurate; common and versatile.

a shade off

Uses "shade" to indicate a slight difference or error; similar to "a bit".

slightly amiss

Implies something is subtly wrong or out of place; slightly more formal.

a little wrong

Directly states something is incorrect to a small extent; less idiomatic.

slightly out of kilter

Similar meaning; uses a different idiom.

a tad incorrect

Uses "tad" to soften the statement of inaccuracy; slightly informal.

a little bit wrong

More emphatic than "a little wrong".

somewhat inaccurate

Suggests a degree of imprecision or error; more formal and specific.

a touch askew

Implies something is slightly crooked or not aligned; metaphorical.

somewhat out

Suggests a deviation from a correct value or state; less common.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit off" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit off" to describe something that isn't quite right, such as "The milk tastes "a bit off"" or "He seemed "a bit off" today, perhaps he's unwell".

What's the difference between ""a bit off"" and "completely wrong"?

"A bit off" suggests a slight deviation from what is expected or correct, while "completely wrong" indicates a total error.

What are some alternatives to saying ""a bit off""?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "slightly amiss", "not quite right", or "somewhat inaccurate".

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

While ""a bit off"" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated language.