a bit wobbly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit wobbly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unstable or not firmly in place, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The table was a bit wobbly, making it difficult to eat without spilling my drink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Business investment is looking a bit wobbly.

The Guardian - Business

Sure, he is a bit wobbly on his prosthetic legs.

The New York Times

As Schiavone neared victory, her strokes became a bit wobbly.

The New York Times - Sports

On the second, he was a bit wobbly.

The New York Times

Who wouldn't get a bit wobbly in the circumstances?

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the serotonin theory of depression looks a bit wobbly.

The Guardian

Even writing this makes me a bit wobbly.

The Guardian - Film

I think I was a bit preoccupied, and a bit intense and a bit wobbly.

Independent

"They get a bit wobbly, but they know where they are.

The New York Times

2. Camera shake Invaluable if your footage is a bit wobbly!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Relationship with Putin Unclear, but may be getting a bit wobbly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit wobbly" to describe situations or objects that are not completely stable but not in immediate danger of collapsing. It's suitable for conveying a sense of mild precariousness.

Common error

While "a bit wobbly" is widely understood, it might sound too informal for highly professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "slightly unstable" or "somewhat precarious" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit wobbly" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns by describing their state of instability or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples highlight its descriptive function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bit wobbly" is a grammatically correct and very common adjectival phrase used to describe something that is mildly unstable or uncertain. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Lifestyle and Sports contexts, although it may be too informal for highly professional or academic writing where "slightly unsteady" or "somewhat precarious" might be better suited. While widely understood, its colloquial nature suggests it is best used in neutral to informal communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly unsteady

Indicates a small degree of lack of stability, similar to "a bit wobbly".

somewhat shaky

Suggests a trembling or wavering quality, implying a lack of firmness similar to being "a bit wobbly".

a little unstable

Emphasizes the lack of stability, mirroring the sense of "a bit wobbly".

marginally precarious

Highlights a slightly risky or uncertain state, akin to something being "a bit wobbly".

somewhat precarious

Emphasizes the instability or uncertainty, similar to the meaning of "a bit wobbly".

slightly insecure

Implies a lack of firmness or reliability, echoing the sense of being "a bit wobbly".

a trifle unsteady

Uses "trifle" to indicate a small degree of unsteadiness, similar to "a bit wobbly".

a tad shaky

Uses "tad" to indicate a small degree of shakiness, comparable to "a bit wobbly".

rather unstable

Indicates a notable degree of instability but not extreme, paralleling "a bit wobbly".

somewhat insecure

Highlights a lack of security or stability, similar to being "a bit wobbly".

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit wobbly" to describe something that is unstable, uncertain, or shaky. For example, "After the storm, the old fence was "a bit wobbly"."

What are some alternatives to "a bit wobbly"?

Some alternatives to "a bit wobbly" include "slightly unsteady", "somewhat shaky", or "a little unstable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a bit wobbly" appropriate for formal writing?

While "a bit wobbly" is generally acceptable, it might be considered too informal for academic or highly professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "slightly unstable" or "somewhat precarious" in those situations.

What does it mean when something is described as "a bit wobbly"?

When something is described as "a bit wobbly", it means that it is not entirely stable or secure. It might be shaky, unsteady, or somewhat precarious, but not necessarily in immediate danger of collapse or failure.