bit of intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bit of intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small amount of knowledge or insight, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "After a long discussion, I finally got a bit of intelligence about the project that helped clarify our next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Clothes that imply a bit of intelligence.

The New York Times - Magazine

It also netted a fair bit of intelligence.

The Washington Post

I kept this bit of intelligence to myself.

The New York Times - Travel

She'd persuaded him to do a bit of intelligence gathering with her.

Harvard Business Review

He must have been waiting a very long time to capitalise on that bit of intelligence.

The Guardian

I don't think anybody who has a little bit of intelligence and sensitivity will disagree with the idea of socialism.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Indeed, in some cases a bit of intelligence-gathering seems sensible, such as when the NSA snooped on a handful of UN delegations to find out their positions prior to a vote on sanctions against Iran.

The Economist

Crowd-sourcing quickly turned into witchhunting, he noted, and bits of intelligence surfaced amid "new forms of banality".

The New York Times

His superior was deeply greateful for several illuminating bits of intelligence he was subsequently able to relay.

The New Yorker

The Fox News contributor Karl Rove, a former adviser to President George W. Bush, maintained that credit should go to Mr. Obama's predecessor, who put a premium on interrogation methods that may have provided bits of intelligence critical to Sunday's operation.

The New York Times - Arts

Among the last bits of intelligence he & his sister gleaned about the Midnight Frolic during their stay there was that the night club's owner - known to them simply as Mr. Brown- was really Al Capone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bit of intelligence" when you want to downplay the significance of a piece of information or suggest it's just one component of a larger picture.

Common error

Avoid using "bit of intelligence" when the information is crucial or forms the core of an argument; instead, opt for phrases like "key insight" or "critical information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bit of intelligence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a small quantity of information or insight, often suggesting it's a fragment of a larger whole. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bit of intelligence" refers to a small piece of information or insight, and as Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While "bit of intelligence" is most frequently found in News & Media, it's also used in Formal & Business settings. When writing, it's important to consider the context and choose more precise terms if the information is crucial or central to the topic. Alternatives like "piece of information" or "small insight" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Using "bit of intelligence" is suitable when the information is a fragment of a larger concept, or when the speaker wants to downplay its importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piece of information

Focuses on the informational aspect rather than the cognitive ability.

small insight

Emphasizes the understanding gained, rather than the information itself.

nugget of knowledge

Implies a valuable and concise piece of information.

scrap of data

Highlights the factual and often fragmented nature of the information.

hint of understanding

Suggests a subtle or initial comprehension.

fleeting insight

Implies a brief or temporary moment of understanding.

iota of wisdom

Emphasizes the sagacity and value, despite its small quantity.

particle of knowledge

Highlights the minuteness and fundamental quality of information.

shred of evidence

Focuses on the probative aspect, suggesting a fragment supporting a claim.

glimmer of awareness

Implies a vague or nascent recognition.

FAQs

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

You can use "bit of intelligence" to refer to a small piece of information or insight you've gained. For example, "I picked up a "bit of intelligence" at the meeting that might be useful."

What's a good alternative to "bit of intelligence"?

Alternatives include "piece of information", "small insight", or "nugget of knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bit of intelligence" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "bit of intelligence" is more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms such as "key finding" or "crucial data".

What is the difference between "bit of intelligence" and "intelligence"?

"Intelligence" generally refers to the capacity for understanding and learning, whereas "bit of intelligence" refers to a specific piece of information or insight. The former is a general aptitude, the latter a concrete piece of data.