bits and bobs

USAGE SUMMARY

"bits and bobs" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to small items or miscellaneous objects. For example: "I have a box full of bits and bobs that I need to sort through".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ribbons, sequins, bits and bobs.

Independent

"Re: yesterday's Bits and Bobs.

The Guardian - Sport

I get away with bits and bobs.

The Guardian

I still do bits and bobs.

The Guardian - Sport

MR. RHYS The occasional war film, bits and bobs.

The New York Times

As monumental mosaics, as landscapes of metallic bits and bobs?

The New York Times - Arts

The windows are packed with quirky bits and bobs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How long have I been saying my bits and bobs?

The Guardian - Sport

"I read bits and bobs, and it was like, yeuchh".

The Guardian - Music

Bits and bobs The little party behind the throne ReprintsThis was revealing nonsense.

The Economist

The clever sliding shelf fronts hide all the bits and bobs inside.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bits and bobs" when you want to convey a sense of informality or a casual collection of items. For example, "I keep all my sewing bits and bobs in this box."

Common error

Avoid using "bits and bobs" in formal or professional writing where a more precise term would be more appropriate. Instead of saying "The project involves various bits and bobs", try "The project involves several distinct tasks and components".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bits and bobs" is a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and commonly used. It denotes a collection of miscellaneous items or tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "bits and bobs" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a collection of miscellaneous items or tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While versatile, it leans towards informal contexts, making it ideal for casual conversation but less suitable for formal or professional writing. Alternatives such as ""odds and ends"" and "various things" offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance. To avoid misuse, it's best to reserve "bits and bobs" for informal settings and opt for more precise language in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bits and pieces

Very similar, almost interchangeable.

odds and ends

Similar meaning, referring to miscellaneous items.

assorted items

Highlights the variety of the collection.

knick-knacks

Specifically refers to decorative, small items.

trinkets

Small, often ornamental items.

sundry items

A more formal way of saying miscellaneous items.

various objects

Highlights the diversity of objects.

various things

A broader and more general alternative.

mixed bag

Describes a collection that is varied and possibly unexpected.

small tasks

Focuses on small jobs rather than objects.

FAQs

How can I use "bits and bobs" in a sentence?

"Bits and bobs" refers to small, miscellaneous items. For example, "I need to buy some "odds and ends" for the repair project" or "She keeps her "knick-knacks" on the shelf."

What's a good alternative to "bits and bobs"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""odds and ends"", "various things", or "assorted items".

Is "bits and bobs" a formal or informal expression?

"Bits and bobs" is generally considered an informal expression, best suited for casual conversation or writing. For formal contexts, more precise language is preferable.

What does "bits and bobs" refer to?

The phrase "bits and bobs" generally refers to a collection of small, miscellaneous items or tasks. It suggests a lack of specificity or organization.