basis for a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basis for a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a foundational idea or reason for a small amount of something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The research provided a solid basis for a bit of the argument I was making in my presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You'd think that would give Dickens and Andersen the basis for a bit of a chat.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The waves of hate I've received on this basis are a bit puzzling, frankly".

The Guardian - Books

It is possible to tailor annotations on a facet-by-facet basis with a bit of extra work.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

The entire Chechen Civil War — and its persistent, ugly consequences — put Russia on a first-name basis with Team Sunni Extreme, a bit like 9/11 did for the US.

Vice

Well, for a bit.

The New Yorker

Yes, for a bit.

The New York Times

"I'll stay for a bit.

The New Yorker

Just for a bit, though".

Independent

Johnny did for a bit.

Independent

He thought for a bit.

The New Yorker

They talked for a bit.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basis for a bit" when you want to indicate that something provides a limited or partial foundation for something else. It's often used in informal contexts to soften a statement.

Common error

Avoid using "basis for a bit" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "partial foundation", "limited justification" or "elemental support" for improved clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basis for a bit" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a partial or limited foundation or reason. The Ludwig AI indicates that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

29%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basis for a bit" serves to denote a partial or limited foundation or justification for something. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable, though more appropriate for informal contexts. While its occurrence is rare, particularly in formal writing, it is found across diverse source domains such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki. For formal communications, substituting the expression with alternatives like "partial foundation" or "limited justification" would enhance clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation for a small amount

Replaces "bit" with "small amount" offering a more literal interpretation.

reason for a touch

Substitutes "basis" with "reason" and "bit" with "touch", indicating a slight degree.

justification for a little

Uses "justification" instead of "basis" and "little" instead of "bit", implying a rationale for a small quantity.

groundwork for a fraction

Replaces "basis" with "groundwork" and "bit" with "fraction", suggesting a preliminary stage for a small part.

starting point for a smidgen

Substitutes "basis" with "starting point" and "bit" with "smidgen", conveying an initial phase for a tiny amount.

rationale for a dash

Uses "rationale" for "basis" and "dash" for "bit", implying a reason for a small addition.

underpinning for a hint

Replaces "basis" with "underpinning" and "bit" with "hint", suggesting a fundamental support for a subtle element.

excuse for a speck

Substitutes "basis" with "excuse" and "bit" with "speck", implying a justification for a minimal quantity.

pretext for a trace

Uses "pretext" instead of "basis" and "trace" instead of "bit", suggesting a superficial reason for a minimal amount.

foundation for a shade

Foundation is used in place of basis, while bit is substituted by shade, denoting a subtle degree.

FAQs

How can I use "basis for a bit" in a sentence?

You can use "basis for a bit" to suggest a reason or justification for something in a limited way. For example, "The research provided a solid "basis for a bit" of the argument I was making".

What are some alternatives to "basis for a bit"?

Consider using phrases like "foundation for a small amount", "reason for a touch", or "justification for a little" depending on the context.

Is "basis for a bit" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "basis for a bit" leans toward informal usage. In formal writing, opt for alternatives like "partial foundation" or "limited justification".

What does "basis for a bit" imply?

The phrase suggests that the "basis" only partially supports something; the support isn't comprehensive or complete. It implies a degree of limitation.