bits of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bits of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to small, discrete moments or intervals of time, often in a context where one is discussing how time is spent or perceived. Example: "During the busy week, I found myself stealing bits of time to read my favorite book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"They all shave little bits of time off the process".

The Guardian

Ms. Vanderpool, the Newbery winner, said she wrote "Moon Over Manifest" over five years, beginning in 2001, stealing bits of time while raising her four children.

The New York Times - Books

JEFF WHETSTONE Whetstone's photographs of the graffiti-covered interiors of saltpeter caves in Alabama and Tennessee are fascinating bits of time travel.

The New Yorker

They were not afraid to take extra bits of time between phrases to emphasize, in a sense, the punctuation of the score.

The New York Times - Arts

Right until the curtain, Ms. Duncan says, the actors were "stealing little bits of time to work out a dance or a fight".

The New York Times

But they could not duplicate the microgravity environment of space, aside from brief bits of time spent in steep descent in specially equipped airplanes.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

So I have a bit of time.

The New York Times

Anything to kill a bit of time.

Independent

Give him a bit of time.

Independent

It does take a bit of time.

The Guardian - Sport

It just takes a bit of time".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how you manage a busy schedule, use "bits of time" to emphasize squeezing activities into small available slots. For instance, "I read during stolen "bits of time" on my commute."

Common error

Avoid using "bits of time" when you need to specify a more precise duration. Instead of saying "The task took several "bits of time", consider using minutes, hours, or days for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bits of time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes small, discrete intervals or moments of time, used to describe how time is allocated or perceived. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bits of time" is a grammatically sound and fairly common noun phrase used to describe small, discrete intervals of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While suitable for general and news contexts, it's best to consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Use it to convey the idea of fragmented or limited time, but avoid using it when a more precise duration is required. Related phrases include "moments of time" and "snippets of time", each carrying a slightly different nuance. Top sources include The New York Times and The Guardian, further validating its usage in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moments of time

Focuses on specific instances rather than duration.

snippets of time

Emphasizes the brevity and fragmentation of the time periods.

fragments of time

Highlights the incomplete or disconnected nature of the time intervals.

intervals of time

Suggests a more structured or measured division of time.

periods of time

Implies a defined or distinct duration, though potentially short.

segments of time

Conveys the idea of time divided into separate, manageable units.

portions of time

Indicates a share or allotment of available time.

small amounts of time

Directly quantifies the limited duration.

brief moments

Highlights the fleeting nature of the time spans.

fleeting instances

Stresses how quickly the moments pass.

FAQs

How can I use "bits of time" in a sentence?

You can use "bits of time" to describe small intervals used for specific activities, such as "I used "bits of time" during my lunch break to catch up on emails" or "She wrote her novel by utilizing "bits of time" between her work shifts".

What are some alternatives to saying "bits of time"?

Alternatives include "moments of time", "snippets of time", or "fragments of time". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "bits of time" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "bits of time" is more suited for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise terms like "intervals" or "periods" for increased clarity.

How does "bits of time" differ from "a bit of time"?

"Bits of time" refers to multiple small, discrete intervals, whereas "a bit of time" refers to a single, unspecified duration that is relatively short. The former implies fragmentation, the latter implies brevity.