a bit outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit outside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slightly beyond a certain limit or boundary, either literally or figuratively. Example: "The restaurant is a bit outside the city center, but it's worth the trip for the amazing food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Often they are a bit outside, they are falling out somehow, they are isolated…" (Ellen)" This study identified a number of dilemmas encountered by social workers in their efforts to provide resilience-enhancing social services to long-term social assistance clients.

BMC Public Health

When the cats venture a bit outside, walk carefully.

WikiHow

" 'Just a bit outside.' You're on radio.

The New York Times

I always felt a bit outside of everything.

The Guardian - Music

You have to be a bit outside of something to see it.

The New York Times - Arts

All of it is pushing yourself a bit outside of your comfort zone.

The Washington Post

To reach a launch site, however, would mean traveling a bit outside London.

The New York Times - Travel

Still, the prices for places he liked were a bit outside sculptor range.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Looking to create something a bit outside-the-box, but don't want to spend a fortune on supplies?

Huffington Post

"And for me, that was a great idea and the ideal moment to step a little bit outside, to breathe a little bit.

BBC

"The bus was delayed so they waited a little bit outside and that's when it happened," said Ramadan.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit outside" to express a slight deviation from a norm, boundary, or expectation. It's suitable when a more precise or formal term isn't necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit outside" when you need to emphasize a significant or substantial difference. Choose stronger alternatives if the deviation is considerable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit outside" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate a degree of deviation or separation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit outside" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a slight deviation or separation from a norm or boundary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It's most common in news and media but appears in other contexts as well. While acceptable in most situations, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. When you want to express something is not precisely on target, consider using "a bit outside" for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little outside

Uses 'little' instead of 'bit', implying a slightly smaller degree of difference.

a tad outside

Uses 'tad' for a more informal, slightly smaller degree.

a shade beyond

Implies a minimal degree of difference, using 'shade' metaphorically.

slightly beyond

Emphasizes the extent of being beyond a certain point.

just off

A more concise way of indicating something is not quite on target or within bounds.

just beyond

Highlights the narrow margin by which something exceeds a limit.

marginally beyond

Indicates that the difference is at the margin or very slight.

slightly removed from

Focuses on the separation or distance from a central point or idea.

fractionally outside

Emphasizes the very small fraction by which something is beyond a boundary.

somewhat external to

More formal, suggesting something is to some extent not part of something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit outside" to indicate that something is slightly beyond a certain limit or boundary. For example, "The restaurant is "a bit outside" the city center" or "His ideas were "a bit outside" the mainstream".

What are some alternatives to "a bit outside"?

Alternatives include "slightly beyond", "somewhat external to", or "marginally beyond", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a bit outside" instead of "slightly outside"?

"A bit outside" and "slightly outside" are largely interchangeable. "A bit" is often perceived as more informal than "slightly", making it suitable for casual contexts. Choose the phrasing that best fits the overall tone of your writing.

Can "a bit outside" be used in formal writing?

While "a bit outside" is generally acceptable, it's less formal. In professional or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives like "somewhat external to" or "marginally beyond" for a more polished tone.