a small bit of change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small bit of change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor amount of money or a slight alteration in a situation. Example: "After checking my pockets, I found a small bit of change that I could use for the vending machine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That's not a small bit of change – Playtonic's success is huge, with Yooka now holding the record for the most successful British game on Kickstarter.

Vice

Remove the socks from my dead brother's feet and trade them in for a small bit of change, a ticket to a movie, something with a receipt, proof I was busy living, that I didn't stay in all night weeping, that I didn't stay up drawing a gun over and over with a black marker, that I didn't cut out the best one, or stand in front of the mirror, pulling the paper trigger until it tore away.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's a small bit of language that could lead to a big change in the way that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals operates its single shelter in Norfolk, Virginia, where the high-profile, celebrity-courting group is headquartered.

Huffington Post

I thought I could handle a small bit of intrusion.

The New York Times

In 2002, all but a small bit of it closed.

The Guardian

That's not a small bit of change Playtonic's success is huge, with Yooka now holding the record for the most successful British game on Kickstarter.

Vice

Wear a small bit of perfume.

WikiHow

Do a small bit of drama.

WikiHow

Each this with a small bit of toast.

WikiHow

"There has been a little bit of change".

The New York Times

We let ourselves down a small bit.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing finances, use "a small bit of change" to downplay the amount, suggesting it's not significant. This can soften the impact of cost discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "a small bit of change" when referring to something that has a major effect or impact, as it could diminish the true significance of the situation. For example, if a minor design tweak leads to a large profit increase, don't call it "a small bit of change."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small bit of change" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It refers to a minor quantity or alteration. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

37%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small bit of change" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to refer to a minor alteration or a small amount of money. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase. While its usage is not exceptionally frequent, it appears commonly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When writing, it is beneficial to use it in neutral to informal contexts to downplay the significance, while considering alternatives like "slight alteration" for more formal settings. The examples on Ludwig demonstrate its versatility in various scenarios, reminding us to consider the context when selecting this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight alteration

Emphasizes the idea of a minor adjustment or modification, removing the monetary connotation.

a minor adjustment

Similar to 'slight alteration', this highlights a small change made to something.

a modicum of difference

Suggests a very small amount of difference, suitable for more formal contexts.

a touch of variation

Focuses on adding a small amount of variety to something, rather than a significant change.

a negligible quantity

Emphasizes that the amount of change is so small it's practically insignificant.

a fractional adjustment

Highlights that the change is a very small fraction of the whole.

a whisper of modification

Uses figurative language to indicate a very subtle change or adjustment.

a trace of difference

Indicates that the change is barely perceptible.

a shade of improvement

Focuses specifically on a slight improvement made to something.

a hair's breadth of change

Uses a metaphor to convey that the change is extremely minimal.

FAQs

How can I use "a small bit of change" in a sentence?

You can use "a small bit of change" to describe a minor amount of money or a slight alteration. For example, "I found "a small bit of change" in my pocket" or "Adding "a small bit of change" to the recipe improved the flavor".

What are some alternatives to "a small bit of change"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a slight alteration", "a minor adjustment", or "a modicum of difference", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a small bit of change" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a small bit of change" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "a slight variation" or "a negligible amount".

What's the difference between "a small bit of change" and "a little bit of change"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "a small bit of change" emphasizes the insignificance of the change slightly more than "a little bit of change". The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.