bit of irony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bit of irony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or subtle instance of irony in a situation or statement. Example: "It was a bit of irony that the fire station burned down while the firefighters were out on a call."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Not a bit of irony.

The New Yorker

The criticism carries a bit of irony.

The Washington Post

DiCorcia likes a bit of irony.

The New York Times - Magazine

And that brings me to another bit of irony.

University of California, Berkeley

T.L.: I like a bit of irony in my style.

The New York Times

Now, I write the following without one bit of irony.

The Washington Post

Howe found one bit of irony in his situation.

The New York Times - Sports

You will not find the slightest bit of irony in her behavior.

The New York Times

"There's a bit of irony," said William Legge, a 16-year-old from Charterhouse.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The shape represents formality and tradition, but there's also a bit of irony.

The New York Times - Style

HT: With a little bit of irony actually.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bit of irony," ensure the ironic element is clear to your audience; subtle irony can be easily missed if not properly contextualized.

Common error

Avoid using "bit of irony" to describe situations that are blatantly contradictory or sarcastic; this diminishes the impact of true irony, which relies on subtlety and nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bit of irony" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object, denoting a subtle instance or aspect of irony. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where it often introduces an observation about an incongruity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bit of irony" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a subtle ironic element, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently used in news and academic contexts to highlight incongruities or contradictions, though it suits both formal and informal writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the ironic aspect is clear and avoid using it for blatant sarcasm or obvious contradictions. As Ludwig's examples show, "bit of irony" serves to invite reflection on the nuances within a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of irony

Replaces "bit" with "hint," suggesting an even more subtle or understated level of irony.

touch of irony

Substitutes "bit" with "touch," implying a delicate or slight presence of irony.

shade of irony

Uses "shade" instead of "bit," indicating a nuance or subtle variation of irony.

element of irony

Replaces "bit" with "element," focusing on irony as a component of a situation.

degree of irony

Specifies irony as having a certain "degree," suggesting its intensity or extent.

vein of irony

Presents irony as a "vein," implying it runs subtly throughout a situation.

sense of irony

Shifts the focus to the perception of irony rather than its quantity.

ironic twist

Highlights the unexpected or paradoxical nature of an event, framing it as ironic.

note of irony

Uses "note" to suggest irony is a subtle aspect of something being observed.

ironic undertone

Emphasizes the underlying or implicit presence of irony in a situation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "bit of irony" is used to point out a slightly ironic or incongruous aspect of a situation. For example: "There's a "bit of irony" in complaining about social media on social media."

What phrases are similar to "bit of irony"?

Alternatives to "bit of irony" include "hint of irony", "touch of irony", or "shade of irony". Each suggests a subtle presence of ironic elements.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "bit of irony"?

While grammatically correct, "bit of irony" might be unsuitable if the situation presents blatant or severe incongruity. In such cases, describing the situation as outright irony might be more fitting.

What's the difference between "bit of irony" and "ironic twist"?

"Bit of irony" refers to a subtle instance of irony, while "ironic twist" suggests a more significant and unexpected turn of events that contains irony. The latter carries a stronger connotation of surprise or reversal.