bit of progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bit of progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or modest advancement in a task or project. Example: "After several hours of brainstorming, we finally made a bit of progress on the new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make a bit of progress.

The New York Times

But there's quite a bit of progress.

The Guardian

But I've made quite a bit of progress with technology.

The Guardian

For all my shame about visiting that sidebar, that feels like a tiny bit of progress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But every year there's been a teeny tiny bit of progress.

The New York Times

Even that slim bit of progress is subject to some debate.

The New York Times - Sports

"The next generation had an open door.... That's a little bit of progress".

The New York Times - Books

I'm just trying to make a little bit of progress every day".

The New York Times - Sports

Every little bit of progress was tempered by the discovery of new challenges and limitations.

Princeton University

But every bit of progress was accompanied by many more frustrations, setbacks, even martyrdoms.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think we're actually making a little bit of progress, but we're still some distance apart".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "bit of progress" with qualifying adjectives such as "significant", "noticeable", or "encouraging" to provide a more precise assessment of the advancement.

Common error

Avoid using "bit of progress" when the advancement is substantial. Overusing it can undermine the significance of real achievements and may come across as insincere or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bit of progress" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or subject complement within a sentence. It describes the extent of advancement or improvement, often implying that it is small or limited. Ludwig confirms the correct use of this phrase in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bit of progress" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small advancement or improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. While its register is generally neutral, be mindful of the situation and audience to ensure the level of impact you are communicating is adequately conveyed. Related phrases like "slight improvement" or "minor advancement" can provide alternative ways to express similar meanings, and it's important to avoid overusing "bit of progress" when describing substantial achievements. Remember, effective communication hinges on precision and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight improvement

Emphasizes the small degree of positive change.

minor advancement

Highlights a small step forward.

small step forward

Illustrates a minimal positive movement.

marginal gain

Focuses on the small benefit achieved.

limited progress

Stresses the constrained nature of the advancement.

some headway

Indicates initial positive movement.

a glimmer of hope

Suggests a faint sign of positive change, often in a challenging situation.

a touch of success

Emphasizes the subtle attainment of a desired outcome.

a modicum of achievement

Highlights a limited degree of accomplishment.

a shade better

Indicates a slight degree of improvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "bit of progress" to indicate a small advancement. For instance, "After a week of negotiations, we've made a "bit of progress" in resolving the dispute."

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

In a formal context, you could use phrases like "slight improvement" or "modest advancement" instead of "bit of progress".

What's the difference between "bit of progress" and "major breakthrough"?

"Bit of progress" suggests a small step forward, while "major breakthrough" implies a significant turning point or discovery. The choice depends on the scale of the advancement.

Is it always appropriate to use "bit of progress"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the context. In situations where a more impactful phrase is warranted, alternatives like "significant advancement" or "notable improvement" may be more suitable.