a bit quicker than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit quicker than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the speed of two actions or processes, indicating that one is slightly faster than the other. Example: "She completed the task a bit quicker than her colleague, which impressed the manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Consumer food prices are expected to rise 4% to 5% annually or about 0.4% a month, and producer prices a bit quicker than that, thanks to the pass-through effects of the ethanol program and rising demand for grains in China and other fast-growing developing-country economies.

Forbes

But I think Chelsea were a bit quicker than us".

The Guardian - Sport

A bit quicker than expected, Michael Johnson can kiss his 12-year-old record goodbye.

The New York Times - Sports

"The labor market might be improving a bit quicker than expected," said David Sloan, an economist at 4Cast in New York.

The New York Times

We could look after ourselves in non-League, but when we got into the League it was more physical, a bit quicker, than we were used to.

Independent

A lead ball in the box arrives a bit quicker than the charging Sirigu expected, and he arrives at it a split second after Alexis Sanchez.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

When you have a plate, usually you can get into rehab a little bit quicker than a normal cast".

The New York Times - Sports

He certainly bowls it a bit quicker and flatter than Tredwell, so may be harder to hit in the same kind of way as Samit Patel and Michael Yardy used to be.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't have all day.' It's my opinion, and I could be wrong, that it sometimes affects a rhythm where they are a little bit quicker than what they normally want to be.

The New York Times - Sports

However, the bright brand of rugby being played by Dean Richards' ambitious team on their new 3G pitch is starting to fill up Kingston Park again.. "We're on a journey and we're getting there – maybe a little bit quicker than we anticipated," Richards, Newcastle's director of rugby, said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Over a period of time that's allowed us to develop a little bit quicker than people might have thought".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two actions or processes, use "a bit quicker than" to indicate a small but noticeable difference in speed. For example: "The new software processes data "a bit quicker than" the old one."

Common error

Avoid using "a bit quicker than" when the difference is substantial. In such cases, use stronger comparatives like "significantly faster than" or "much quicker than."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit quicker than" functions as a comparative adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating that an action or process is performed at a slightly faster rate in comparison to something else. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit quicker than" is a commonly used and grammatically correct comparative phrase that indicates a slight difference in speed or rate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's generally suitable for neutral contexts like news and media, though may be too informal for strict academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure that the difference you're describing is indeed small; otherwise, opt for stronger comparatives. Numerous examples from reputable sources, such as The New York Times and BBC, demonstrate its widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly faster than

Emphasizes a marginal difference in speed.

A little faster than

Uses 'little' instead of 'bit' for a minor variation in wording.

Marginally quicker than

Replaces "a bit" with "marginally" to highlight a slight difference.

Somewhat faster than

Uses "somewhat" for a more formal tone.

A shade faster than

Employs "shade" to indicate a minimal difference.

Barely faster than

Highlights the small degree of difference in speed.

Just a touch faster than

Indicates a delicate and subtle increase in speed.

A hair faster than

Uses "hair" to convey a very small margin.

Minutely faster than

Uses "minutely" for a precise, small difference.

Slightly more rapid than

Replaces "quicker" with "rapid" for a more formal variation.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit quicker than" in a sentence?

Use "a bit quicker than" to show a slight difference in speed or rate between two things. For example, "The delivery service is "a bit quicker than" the postal service."

What's a more formal alternative to "a bit quicker than"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "slightly faster than" or "marginally more rapid than". These options convey a similar meaning but with a more elevated register.

Is it appropriate to use "a bit quicker than" in academic writing?

While "a bit quicker than" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more precise language to quantify the difference if possible or use "somewhat faster than".

What is the difference between "a bit quicker than" and "much quicker than"?

"A bit quicker than" indicates a small difference in speed, whereas "much quicker than" suggests a significant and noticeable difference. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the difference you are describing.