a little bit of an exaggeration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little bit of an exaggeration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is not entirely true or is overstated, but only to a small degree. Example: "When she said she ran a marathon every weekend, that was a little bit of an exaggeration; she only runs a few times a month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Or, as Madison put it, I think in a little bit of an exaggeration, the Anti-Federalists, quote, "had no plan whatever.

Yale University

There is no law prevailing at present here". That's a little bit of an exaggeration I would say — but another arrogant British quote.

Yale University

That means talking about profit all the time, he said, adding, "Maybe it's a little bit of an exaggeration to say that the French never talk about money".

The New York Times

Every man insists upon following the dictates of his own will without control". A little bit of an exaggeration, but you can see certainly what he feels like he's seeing as compared with what he knows from back in England.

Yale University

OK, maybe that's a little bit of an exaggeration, but for a traveler like Miniak, pourquois pas?

Forbes

Burning might be a little bit of an exaggeration for a few hours of people being unable to watch Netflix and play Call of Duty deathmatches, but, hey.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A little bit of an outcast.

The New York Times

A little bit of a Michael Jackson.

The New York Times - Magazine

While that's an exaggeration, it's nice to have a little bit of room to stretch on the 17-hour flight from New York to Johannesburg.

Forbes

A little bit of lemon.

The New Yorker

A little bit of everything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little bit of an exaggeration" to soften a potentially harsh correction. It's a polite way to acknowledge overstatement without direct confrontation.

Common error

Avoid using "a little bit of an exaggeration" when the statement is significantly false. The phrase implies a minor overstatement, not a complete fabrication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little bit of an exaggeration" functions as a qualifier, softening the impact of calling something an exaggeration. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. This phrase gently corrects or adjusts a statement, rather than directly refuting it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a little bit of an exaggeration" is a useful tool for gently correcting or qualifying statements without being overly critical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and academic settings. It's essential to remember that this phrase works best when the overstatement is minor, and not a complete fabrication. Alternatives like "slight overstatement" or "mild hyperbole" can also be used, depending on the desired level of formality. Using "a little bit of an exaggeration" effectively requires understanding the nuance of language and the context in which it's used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slight overstatement

This is a direct and concise way of saying something is overstated to a small degree.

Mild hyperbole

This term implies a deliberate exaggeration, but only to a small extent.

Somewhat overstated

This phrase is similar in meaning, but emphasizes the degree to which something is exaggerated.

A touch hyperbolic

This is a more informal way of saying something is slightly exaggerated.

Marginally inflated

This implies an increase in the statement beyond what is strictly factual, though not by much.

Somewhat embellished

This phrase suggest the details might be more exciting than they actually are.

A shade amplified

This means the statement is pumped up slightly beyond reality.

Stretched a little

This emphasizes that the statement is extended beyond the strict truth.

A grain of salt

This suggests the statement should be taken cautiously and not accepted fully.

Colored heavily

Implies the statement is influenced by personal bias.

FAQs

How can I use "a little bit of an exaggeration" in a sentence?

You can use "a little bit of an exaggeration" to gently point out that someone's statement is slightly overstated, for example: "Saying he's a genius might be "a little bit of an exaggeration"; he's very talented, though".

What is a similar phrase to "a little bit of an exaggeration"?

Similar phrases include "slight overstatement", "mild hyperbole", or "somewhat overstated". These all suggest that something is only slightly exaggerated.

When is it appropriate to use "a little bit of an exaggeration"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that something is not entirely accurate but also don't want to be overly critical or harsh. It's a way to soften the impact of correcting someone.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "a little bit of an exaggeration"?

Yes, it's inappropriate to use the phrase when the statement in question is a blatant lie or a gross misrepresentation of facts. The phrase is meant for minor overstatements, not significant falsehoods.