bits of data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bits of data" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to small pieces or units of information, often in the context of computing or data analysis. Example: "The software processes bits of data to generate meaningful insights for the user."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Two bits of data this week are expected to confirm their assessment.

The New York Times

They were able to transform isolated bits of data into coherent conversations.

The New Yorker

The government is cherry-picking bits of data to support its case".

The Guardian

Here are a few bits of data from their 2005-06 accounts.

The Guardian - Arts

It's fun little bits of data that we can store and track.

The Guardian - Tech

Security experts measure those attacks in bits of data per second.

The Guardian - Tech

Consider a simple "computer" that counts to just 256, using eight bits of data storage.

The New York Times - Science

It speeds up overall operation by copying (caching) frequently used bits of data onto the SSD.

The New York Times - Tech

Such "network neutrality" is incompatible with charging content providers for moving their bits of data.

The New York Times - Tech

"We use billions of bits of data to listen to what people want to know".

The New York Times

People leave bits of data about themselves that others then analyze.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing digital storage or transmission, use "bits of data" to accurately reflect the fundamental units of information. It's precise and widely understood in technical contexts.

Common error

While "bits of data" is accurate, avoid it in contexts where simpler terms like "pieces of information" or "details" would suffice. Overusing technical jargon can make your writing less accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bits of data" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to small, discrete units of information, often within a digital or computational context. As Ludwig highlights, it's a common way to describe the fundamental components of data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bits of data" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe small units of information, especially in digital contexts. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where precision is needed, and simpler alternatives can be used otherwise. As highlighted by Ludwig, understanding its function and purpose can enhance writing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pieces of information

Emphasizes the individual and separate nature of the information.

scraps of information

Highlights the fragmented and incomplete nature of the data.

fragments of data

Focuses on the incomplete and broken aspect of the information.

items of data

Highlights the individual nature of the components

elements of information

Stresses the fundamental components that make up the information.

units of information

Focuses on the quantifiable aspect of the data.

data points

Emphasizes the discrete values within a dataset.

data snippets

Emphasizes that the information is a small part of a larger amount of data

bytes of information

Emphasizes that the information is digital, similar to "bits of data".

segments of data

Indicates that the data is divided into specific parts.

FAQs

How to use "bits of data" in a sentence?

You can use "bits of data" to describe small pieces of information, especially in computing or data analysis contexts. For example: "The algorithm processes small "pieces of data" to generate insights."

What can I say instead of "bits of data"?

You can use alternatives like "pieces of information", "scraps of information", or "fragments of data" depending on the context.

Is "bits of data" formal or informal?

"Bits of data" is generally neutral but leans towards technical or professional contexts. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "details" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "bits of data" and "bytes of data"?

"Bits of data" refers to the smallest unit of digital information, while "bytes of data" refers to a group of bits (typically eight). A byte is a larger unit than a bit.