bit of a power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bit of a power" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used informally to describe a small amount of influence or authority someone has, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "He has a bit of a power in the organization, but it's not enough to make major decisions."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Bracken's departure this summer, announced in a blogpost entitled Onwards!, on the GOV.uk website he created, followed by the departures of other senior staff, suggested a bit of a power struggle within Whitehall.

The Guardian

He goes on to say: "If a woman is a bit of a power freak and determined to put you down, and if you're not bright enough to do it with words, it can happen".

The Guardian - Opinion

If the Democrats had not lost control of the Senate, and Mr Obama went ahead and established immigration policies which Democrats had been unable to push through the legislature secure in the knowledge that they could still block any Republican effort to override them then this might represent a bit of a power grab by the executive.

The Economist

Not a little bit of a power here and a little bit of a power there.

BBC

These bikes work by giving the rider a bit of a power boost while pedaling.

TechCrunch

You won't be surprised that one group of parents is a bit of a power couple or that the other is hippie and liberalish.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's the right time for a bit of A-list femme power in this brave new world of movie superheroes.

The Guardian - Film

The Times Herald got a bit of a star power boost too.

The New York Times

Researchers have designed a cheap, easy-to-use smart phone attachment that can test patients for diseases like HIV and syphilis in just 15 minutes, and it only uses a tiny bit of power: A fourth-generation iPod Touch could screen 41 patients on a single charge.

Science Magazine

And exactly which of them are shared between different individuals in a sample can, with the application of a bit of computing power, yield a reasonably reliable family tree.

The Economist

It costs a fair amount of money to sustain such a rank - mostly to pay for large military forces to be used in case a second, third or fourthrate power tries to steal a bit of power from a neighbor who happens to be a friend of the big fellow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bit of a power", ensure the context clarifies the scope and limitations of the power being described. For example, specify what area someone has a "bit of a power" in.

Common error

Avoid using "bit of a power" when describing someone with significant authority. This phrase downplays their actual influence and can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bit of a power" typically functions as a noun phrase that describes a limited degree of influence or control. As evidenced by Ludwig, it characterizes someone's capacity to affect decisions or exert authority within a specific context. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bit of a power" is a phrase used to describe a limited degree of influence or control. While Ludwig AI marks the phrase as not very standard, its usage is acceptable, as long as the context clearly indicates the scope and limits of the power being described. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources. When writing, be careful not to overstate someone's influence by using this phrase, as it suggests a rather modest degree of authority. Alternatives like "limited influence" or "modicum of authority" can be used for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited influence

Directly indicates that the power is not substantial or far-reaching.

modicum of authority

Suggests a small or limited amount of power.

degree of influence

Focuses on the extent to which someone affects decisions or actions, rather than the raw ability to do so.

limited scope of control

Indicates that the power is restricted to a specific area or situation.

level of authority

Highlights the formal or recognized power someone possesses within an organization or system.

measure of control

Emphasizes the capacity to direct or regulate something, suggesting a more hands-on type of influence.

certain degree of leverage

Emphasizes the ability to use one's position to achieve a desired outcome.

slight advantage

Implies a minor edge or benefit derived from a position of influence.

small capacity for command

Points to a limited ability to give orders or direct others.

some say in matters

Highlights the ability to express an opinion or participate in decision-making, although not necessarily with decisive impact.

FAQs

How can I use "bit of a power" in a sentence?

You can use "bit of a power" to describe someone who has a small amount of influence or authority. For example: "He has a bit of a power in the committee, but it's not enough to change the policy".

What's a more formal way to say "bit of a power"?

More formal alternatives to "bit of a power" include phrases like "limited influence" or "modicum of authority".

Is it correct to say "a bit of a power" or should it be "a little power"?

While both phrases are grammatically acceptable, "a bit of a power" implies some form of established influence, whereas "a little power" simply refers to the quantity of power. The correct choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "bit of a power" and "power grab"?

"Bit of a power" refers to a small amount of existing influence, while "power grab" refers to an attempt to seize more control or authority. They describe entirely different scenarios.