bite

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'bite' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. For example, "The strong wind bit at my face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I took a bite off the sandwich and kept the rest in my hand till the guards collected the trash.

The Guardian

"But it's like a dog they know well – they don't think it will bite them".

The Guardian

As the coalition government's savage cuts bite harder, the tax argument proves time and again that it is not a red herring.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was kicking to get back to the surface when it swam back and took a bite out of my ankle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So bite the bullet before it bites you and go out early with a kamikaze boom.

The Guardian - Arts

She adds: "When I talk to mothers and daughters who said they had very little conflict, the mother would tell me, 'I bite my tongue.' The daughter would tell me, 'My mother isn't critical.'" (I'm pretty sure I gave my mother a copy of this book. I don't know if she read it).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It can bite off some pieces and the government in Kiev would not likely survive.

The Guardian

A single bite of cloudlike scallop-and-lobster dumpling in cherrystone-scented soup testifies to the benefits of the process.

The New York Times - Food

Once you've mastered the basics, you can play around with the recipe to your heart's content (and it ought to be content: many versions are very low in fat) – but the guiding principle should always be to cram as many contrasts of flavour and texture into each bite as possible, while retaining the roll's elegant appearance (ie don't get too Man v Food about it).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stopping is another problem – first a parachute is released to slow it down, before a rear-wheel brake can bite.

The Guardian - Tech

Until Augsburg managed to beat the heavily rotated champions-elect in early April, everyone had proved little more than a quick, comforting bite.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bite" metaphorically, consider the intensity and impact you want to convey. A "bite" can be sharp and sudden, or a slow, insidious effect.

Common error

Avoid confusing "bite", which refers to the act of biting or a mouthful, with "byte", a unit of digital information. Ensure correct spelling based on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "bite" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the act of biting or the resulting wound. As a verb, it describes the action of cutting with teeth. Ludwig AI confirms it can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "bite" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe the action of cutting with teeth or a small portion of food. Its usage spans various contexts, from literal descriptions of physical actions to metaphorical representations of impactful experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is very commonly found in journalistic contexts like The Guardian and The New York Times. Understanding its nuances and potential for misspellings ensures effective and accurate communication. Related terms include "nip" and "gnaw", offering alternative ways to convey similar concepts with subtle differences in intensity and duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nibble

A "nibble" is a small, gentle bite.

nip

This alternative implies a gentler or quicker action than "bite".

snap

"Snap" suggests a sudden, forceful action, often with an audible sound.

gnaw

"Gnaw" implies persistent biting, often on something hard.

chew

"Chew" refers to repeatedly biting and grinding with teeth.

sting

This alternative applies when referring to an insect's "bite".

wound

This refers to the injury caused by a "bite".

mouthful

This refers to the quantity taken in a "bite".

attack

This focuses on the aggressive action of biting.

piece

This signifies a portion removed by biting.

FAQs

How can I use "bite" in a sentence?

You can use "bite" as a verb, such as "The dog might "bite"." Or, you can use it as a noun, like "That mosquito "bite" is itchy".

What's a less aggressive synonym for "bite"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "nibble", "munch", or "graze".

What does it mean to "bite the bullet"?

To "bite the bullet" means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and fortitude.

When is it appropriate to use "bite" metaphorically?

You can use "bite" metaphorically to describe something that has a sharp or negative effect, like "The cold wind did "bite" at my skin" or "Rising interest rates will "bite" homeowners".