a bit wider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit wider" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means slightly or moderately wider than something else. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing sizes, distances, or differences in opinions. Here are a few examples: - The river was a bit wider than I expected, but we were still able to cross it. - I prefer my coffee cup to be a bit wider so I can add more cream. - Some people argue that the salary increase is necessary, but others believe a bit wider gap between the top and bottom earners would create more motivation. - The new coat is a bit wider in the shoulders than the old one, but it fits nicely with a sweater underneath.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One day, Dorothy's door opened a bit wider.

The New York Times

The Atlantic does seem a bit wider these days.

The Guardian

That, too, opened my eyes a bit wider.

The New Yorker

The agents hope that other buyers will open their wallets a bit wider.

The New York Times

The Dart is about a foot longer than the Giulietta and a bit wider.

The New York Times

"It gave me the freedom to think a bit wider," he said.

The Guardian

This one's closer than the previous free-kick, though it's a bit wider.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm on stage, slightly hunched, standing with my feet a bit wider apart than normal.

The Guardian

("He's a bit wider than D'Amato — I needed more paint for him").

The New York Times

Follow-up All Is Lost was pushed a bit wider, managing £795,000 over its lifetime.

The Guardian - Film

The Nordic region, to go a bit wider, has the world's highest taxes and most generous welfare benefits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit wider" to describe something, ensure that the point of reference is clear. For instance, instead of saying "Make it a bit wider", specify "Make the opening a bit wider than the base".

Common error

While "a bit wider" is perfectly acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing or presentations. More precise terms like "slightly wider" or "marginally broader" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit wider" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying a comparative adjective or implied comparison. It indicates the degree to which something is wider. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bit wider" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is slightly broader than something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI and supported by numerous examples, it's versatile and used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal settings like wikis. While perfectly acceptable for general use, be mindful of using more formal alternatives like "slightly wider" in professional or academic writing. Remember to clearly specify the reference point when using "a bit wider" to avoid ambiguity. This phrase serves as a useful tool for providing relative size descriptions without precise measurements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little wider

Uses 'little' instead of 'bit', implying a similar small degree of wideness.

slightly wider

Replaces "a bit" with the single word "slightly" for conciseness.

just a bit wider

Adds emphasis on "just" to highlight the small degree of wideness.

a shade wider

Uses 'shade' to indicate a very slight difference in width.

a tad broader

Uses 'tad' to indicate a small degree of wideness.

somewhat wider

Replaces "a bit" with the single word "somewhat" for conciseness.

somewhat broader

Emphasizes the extent of the wideness is moderate.

ever so slightly wider

Adds emphasis on "ever so" to emphasize a minimal wideness.

slightly larger

Focuses on size as the main attribute of comparison.

marginally expanded

Highlights that the widening has occurred through a process of growth or enlargement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit wider" to describe a slight increase in width compared to something else. For example, "The new model is "a bit wider" than the previous one", or "Could you make the doorway "a bit wider" to accommodate the wheelchair"?

What are some alternatives to "a bit wider"?

Alternatives include "slightly wider", "somewhat broader", or "marginally expanded". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "a bit wider but"?

While grammatically acceptable, ending a phrase with "but" can sound incomplete. It's better to follow "a bit wider but" with the rest of the clause to provide context. For example, "It's "a bit wider" but not as long".

What's the difference between "a bit wider" and "a little wider"?

The phrases "a bit wider" and "a little wider" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both indicate a slight increase in width, and the choice between them is largely a matter of personal preference.