bit of work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bit of work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a task or activity that needs to be done, and may take some effort and time. For example: "We need to do a bit of work on the engine before we can take the car for a test drive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an unexpectedly entrancing bit of work.

The New Yorker

Everyone did a bit of work, though it wasn't compulsory.

The New Yorker

I knew it was a superb bit of work".

Independent

It needs a bit of work, but nothing too serious".

Independent

A bit of work, but worth the savings.

The New York Times

It's a bit of work and a bit of dosh.

The New Yorker

There is a bit of work to do.

Independent

The second "Bit of work" at 20A is a TASK.

The New York Times

That suggests to me quite a bit of work?

The Guardian

27 min: A very clever bit of work that.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're marking every bit of work twice," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bit of work" to describe tasks that require some effort but are not overly complex or time-consuming. It adds a nuanced perspective, suggesting more than a simple task but less than a significant project.

Common error

Avoid using "bit of work" for tasks that are clearly extensive or highly complicated. Using it in such contexts can undermine the seriousness of the effort involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bit of work" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to an amount of effort or labor required to complete a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bit of work" is a common and acceptable way to describe a task requiring some effort. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. While primarily found in news and media, it's also present in academia and business. When using the phrase, consider the context and ensure the level of effort aligns with the described task. Overstating or understating the effort can reduce the effectiveness of the communication. Alternatives like "small task" or "little effort" might be suitable in some situations. Ludwig's examples provide a broad overview of how this phrase is effectively used in real-world scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small task

Focuses on the size of the undertaking.

minor job

Highlights the insignificance of the labor.

little effort

Emphasizes the amount of exertion required.

slight undertaking

Draws attention to the formality of the assignment.

easy assignment

Highlights the simplicity of the activity.

simple chore

Implies a routine and uncomplicated task.

modest endeavor

Focuses on the limited scope of the project.

brief activity

Highlights the short duration of the work.

quick task

Stresses the speed at which the work can be completed.

fleeting effort

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "bit of work" to describe a task or activity that requires some effort or attention. For example, "The project needs a "bit of work" before it's ready for presentation".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "small task", "minor job", or "little effort".

Is "bit of work" formal or informal?

"Bit of work" is generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts, including news and media. More formal alternatives might be needed in academic or business settings.

What does it mean when someone says something needs a "bit of work"?

It means the item or task in question requires some additional effort or improvement before it is considered complete or satisfactory. It's often used to soften criticism.