a bit sour

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bit sour" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that has a slight, unpleasant taste. For example: "This lemonade is a bit sour, but still refreshing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

What came out, he explains, was a bit mean, a bit sour, altogether too farcical.

The Guardian - Books

Some have a provocative spiciness, while others are a mite hoppy, or even a bit sour.

The New York Times - Food

The Bachelorette Chow turned out to be a thick, brown liquid that tasted and smelled overwhelmingly chocolaty, and just a bit sour.

The New Yorker

Even though they were happy we had the apartment, the minute they had to write the check they were a bit sour on it".

The New York Times

OK, maybe I was a bit sour but I was angry and the comments following the piece rather made my point.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If your cream's only gone a bit sour, you can still cook savoury dishes with it: it's particularly good in spaghetti carbonara.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

His job title, he said, was "greenhouse gas broker". To some of the participants and observers in the wearying talks here, the achievement was a bit soured given that the United States, the largest emitter of greenhouse gases on the planet, chose not to be a party to the proposed treaty.

The New York Times

But sometimes relations can turn a little bit sour.

Independent

"It sounds a bit, well, sour.

The Guardian - Sport

The Storm's stand-off Brett Finch accused Senior of "a bit of sour grapes".

The Guardian - Sport

The loss to the Sixers left Coach Byron Scott with a bit of sour aftertaste.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, consider the specific type of sourness. Is it fruity like lemons, or more like vinegar? Using precise language will enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

While "a bit sour" can describe a person's mood, avoid overusing it. Explore alternatives like "disgruntled", "resentful", or "cynical" for more nuanced portrayals of emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit sour" functions primarily as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing its characteristic. It is used to express that something has a slightly acidic or unpleasant taste, or, metaphorically, that something leaves a negative or disappointing feeling. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bit sour" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something with a slightly acidic taste or a mildly unpleasant feeling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s versatile enough for various contexts, though especially prevalent in news and media. While acceptable in most situations, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives for formal writing or when describing emotions with greater nuance. When writing, it is beneficial to consider the precise nature of the sourness. Is it a fruity sourness, or more of a bitter or chemical sourness? As for most common errors, be wary of emotional contexts and try using more descriptive words. In short, "a bit sour" is a useful phrase for conveying a subtle negativity, but thoughtful word choice will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly acidic

Replaces "sour" with a more technical term for describing taste.

somewhat tart

Substitutes "sour" with "tart", indicating a sharper, more defined taste.

a little bitter

Changes the taste descriptor from sour to bitter, implying a different kind of unpleasantness.

a touch acid

Uses "acid" instead of "sour", giving a slightly different nuance.

slightly off

Indicates that something is not quite right, which can be related to sourness.

a little sharp

Replaces "sour" with "sharp", suggesting a more intense sensation.

somewhat fermented

Implies a sour taste due to the fermentation process.

a trifle vinegary

Associates the taste with vinegar, a common sour substance.

a hint rancid

Suggests the taste is turning bad, which includes a sour element.

slightly displeased

Extends the meaning to describe a mood or feeling rather than a taste.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit sour" to describe the taste of food, like, "This lemonade is "a bit sour"". It can also describe a feeling or situation, such as, "The ending left "a bit sour" taste in my mouth".

What can I say instead of "a bit sour"?

Alternatives to "a bit sour" include "slightly acidic" for taste, or "slightly displeased" for feelings, depending on the context.

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

While "a bit sour" is generally acceptable, it might be better to use more precise language in formal writing. For instance, instead of saying "the results were "a bit sour"", you could say "the results were somewhat disappointing".

What's the difference between "a bit sour" and "sour"?

"A bit sour" implies a slight degree of sourness, whereas "sour" indicates a more pronounced and intense sour taste or feeling. The phrase "a bit" softens the adjective.