a small bite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small bite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small portion of food or a minor action of biting something. Example: "After a long hike, I only had the energy for a small bite of my sandwich."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I have a small bite.

The Guardian - Travel

Now, slowly take a small bite of the strawberry.

University of California, Berkeley

A small bite of chocolate, a modest sip of wine.

The New York Times - Magazine

A small bite or sip-sized sample of the target product was provided as an intervention.

Appetite

The reverent, reservation-only bar offers a custom $67 three-drink "cocktail tasting menu", each paired with a small bite.

The Guardian - Travel

An enigmatic menu item boasts wild scallops and "mystery twin" — a small bite of turnip hidden among the creamy, sesame-encrusted shellfish.

The New Yorker

Summit, with just $39 billion in assets and more than 500 branches, would be a small bite for Fleet, which has assets of $181 billion.

The New York Times

It was a small bite, more of a nip really, but my teeth definitely made contact and I'm sure my opponent felt something very different at the time.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

When Hershey first rolled out its Kisses in 1907, Kawash observes, "a candy 'kiss' was just another name for a small bite-size candy, typically something with a softer texture".

The New York Times - Magazine

"With Halloween just around the corner, the last thing we want to see is drug-laced candy hitting the streets". Accordinng to Perkiomen Valley Patch, the drug-laced candy recovered by police ranged in size from a small, bite-sized pieces to chunks as large as an orange.

HuffPost

2c – e A [Rh(cod OMe]2 catalyst in combination with a small-bite-angle diphosphine, bis(dicyclohexylphosphino methane (dcpm), was crucial for reactivity.

Chemical Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In non-food contexts, use "a small bite" metaphorically to suggest taking a limited or incremental approach to a task or problem.

Common error

Avoid using "a small bite" excessively in contexts where other words like "sample" or "taste" would be more appropriate and less repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small bite" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a limited portion or action, often related to food consumption. Ludwig examples show its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small bite" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a minimal portion or action, often related to food. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness. While most frequently found in news and media, it can also appear in scientific contexts. It serves to emphasize restraint or initial steps. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "a tiny taste" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny taste

Focuses on the sensation of flavor from a very small amount.

a little nibble

Suggests a gentle and delicate way of eating a small amount.

a modest morsel

Emphasizes the small size and sometimes the preciousness of the portion.

a slight nip

Implies a quick and minimal bite, often used for tasting.

a wee bit

Uses informal language to describe a very small quantity.

a dash

Refers to a very small amount, typically of a liquid or powder.

a smidgen

Indicates a tiny, almost unnoticeable amount.

a speck

Highlights the extremely small size, almost like a particle.

a fraction

Emphasizes that it is a very small part of something larger.

a trace

Implies an almost undetectable amount or remnant.

FAQs

How can I use "a small bite" in a sentence?

You can use "a small bite" to refer to a tiny portion of food, as in, "I only took a small bite of the cake." It can also be used metaphorically to describe taking on a small part of a larger task.

What's a good alternative to "a small bite" when referring to food?

Alternatives include "a tiny taste", "a little nibble", or "a modest morsel" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a small bite" in a business context?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically. For example, "We're taking a small bite out of the market share this quarter." However, ensure the context is appropriate and not too informal for your audience.

Can "a small bite" refer to something other than food?

Yes, it can. For example, "The new policy is a small bite out of the overall problem, but it's a start." It implies a limited or initial step towards addressing something larger.