a very little bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very little bit" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a small amount or degree of something. Example: "I only ate a very little bit of cake because I'm on a diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The coalition is a very little bit stronger, that's all.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's nonalcoholic, it's healthy, it's fresh and there's no sugar except a very little bit in the syrups".

The New York Times - Food

I knew the late David Foster Wallace a very little bit — not much to speak of, really, but I wrote about his work often.

The New Yorker

And though we'll have room for only a very little bit of this last one, its provenance represents the vast majority of the fish poundage that Italians and Americans eat today: farmed barramundi from Vietnam.

The New York Times

But on the fundamental point Mr. Reid was right: A very little bit of federal assistance can go a very long way in promoting culture and art that is fundamental to our identity as Americans.

The New York Times

When kids are a very little bit older, they can move on to this immensely satisfying story of Boggis, Bunce, Bean, a host of fat chickens and a display of reynardian trickery as old as time.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

She was a very little girl, a bit shy, with brown hair, and to me she seemed like the archetypal bride figure".

The New Yorker

I knew the late David Foster Wallace a very little bit not much to speak of, really, but I wrote about his work often.

The New Yorker

"Most companies were not really focused on the issue, and if they had analytics it was a very siloed thing: a little bit in market research, a little bit in quality, maybe a little bit in actuarial for insurance companies".

Forbes

"I forget the name, I think she's a Conservative, very strong, a little bit round... .. "Ann Widdecombe!" the press conference chorused.

The Guardian

In recent years, she has also got to know Mayor Bloomberg — "a very nice man" — a little bit.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very little bit" to soften a statement or request, making it less direct. For instance, instead of saying "I need more time", you could say "I need a very little bit more time".

Common error

While "a very little bit" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language with alternatives such as "a small amount" or "just a touch" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very little bit" functions as an adverbial modifier or quantifier. It modifies verbs or nouns, indicating a small degree or amount. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very little bit" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize a small quantity or degree. As Ludwig AI points out, it serves to downplay the significance of an action or quantity. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "a tiny amount" or "just a touch" for variety. Ludwig's examples and analysis confirm its utility in expressing small amounts with added emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny amount

Replaces "bit" with "amount" and emphasizes the smallness using "tiny".

a trace

Suggests an extremely small and barely perceptible amount.

a small quantity

Uses a more formal term, "quantity", to denote the limited amount.

just a touch

Employs a more figurative expression to indicate a minimal addition or presence.

a smidgen

An informal term that conveys a very small amount, similar to "bit".

a mere fraction

Highlights the insignificance of the quantity relative to a whole.

a speck

Emphasizes the minute size of the quantity, often referring to something almost invisible.

a soupçon

Borrowing from French, this term adds a touch of sophistication to the expression.

an iota

Indicates an extremely small quantity, often used in a negative context.

a jot

Similar to "iota", this term highlights the negligible nature of the amount.

FAQs

How can I use "a very little bit" in a sentence?

You can use "a very little bit" to indicate a small quantity or degree. For example, "I added "a very little bit" of sugar to my coffee" or "He showed "a very little bit" of concern for her feelings".

What are some alternatives to saying "a very little bit"?

Instead of "a very little bit", you could use alternatives such as "a tiny amount", "a small quantity", or "just a touch" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a very little bit"?

While "a little bit" already implies a small amount, adding "very" emphasizes just how small the amount is. It is not strictly redundant, but consider whether the emphasis is necessary for your writing's purpose.

What's the difference between "a little bit" and "a very little bit"?

The difference lies in the degree of emphasis. "A little bit" indicates a small quantity, while "a very little bit" emphasizes that the quantity is even smaller. It's about adding nuance to the description.