a decent bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decent bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a moderate or significant amount of something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I spent a decent bit of time working on that project over the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Looks a decent bit of business, that.

The Guardian - Sport

Azarenka was better than Li, by a decent bit at the end.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes at Kurupt FM we'll invest a bit of money into printing T-shirts or lighters which we can sell and make a decent bit of profit on.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Which is good for those going down early, and means the ground will at least be able to soak up a decent bit of that rain.

The Guardian - Music

In America, intermediate sums tend to come from informal "angel investors", typically entrepreneurs who have made a decent bit of money from their own start-ups and want to invest some in projects they like.

The Economist

Which reminds us of something we have been wondering for a while:  are generous welfare states and high levels of immigration fundamentally incommensurable?There is a decent bit of research indicating that they may be.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

A cheaper machine that we also rate particularly highly is the Vonshef 2.5L Food Processor; an amazing price for a very decent bit of kit.

Independent

The SRAM chainset is also a very decent bit of componentry.

Independent

That's a very decent bit of business whichever way you slice it.

TechCrunch

Mac OS X users have always gotten a bit of a shaft on decent Bit Torrent clients.

TechCrunch

54mins: Caca's shot from the edge of the area bobbles wide – "the first decent bit of play we've seen from Aalborg", summarises Danny Mills.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decent bit", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended quantity or degree. It's most appropriate in informal or neutral situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a decent bit" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, where more precise or formal language is expected. Opt for phrases like "a significant amount" or "a substantial quantity" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decent bit" functions as a quantifier, specifying an amount or degree that is considered moderate or significant. This is based on Ludwig AI, which indicates that the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Tech

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decent bit" is a common and acceptable way to express a moderate or significant amount, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news and media contexts, though it's more suitable for neutral or informal writing. While grammatically sound, it's essential to consider the audience and context, opting for more formal language in academic or professional settings. Alternatives like "a fair amount" or "a substantial quantity" can provide a more precise or sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair amount

Emphasizes the quantity is reasonable or considerable.

a good amount

Highlights a substantial quantity or degree.

a considerable portion

Focuses on the idea that a notable part is involved.

a substantial quantity

Highlights the significant quantity or number involved.

a reasonable measure

Indicates a moderate and acceptable level.

a tidy sum

Suggests a significant and satisfactory amount, especially of money.

a respectable quantity

Implies a quantity worthy of respect or attention.

a noticeable degree

Highlights the obvious or appreciable level of something.

a sizeable chunk

Emphasizes that the amount constitutes a large segment.

a significant extent

Highlights the importance or impact of the amount or degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decent bit" to describe a moderate quantity or amount of something, like: "I spent "a decent bit" of time reading this weekend."

What are some alternatives to "a decent bit"?

Alternatives include "a fair amount", "a good amount", or "a considerable portion" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "a decent bit" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a decent bit" is generally better suited for informal or neutral contexts. More formal options like "a significant quantity" or "a substantial degree" are preferable for academic or professional writing.

What does "a decent bit" actually mean?

It means a moderate to considerable quantity or amount. It suggests that there is a notable, but not necessarily overwhelming, quantity of something.