drops bit by bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drops bit by bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in something over time. Example: "As the temperature drops bit by bit, we can feel the chill of winter approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one bit, however, and so, bit-by-bit, market share began to drop.

TechCrunch

"I'm just going to take it bit-by-bit.

BBC

And, bit-by-bit, it is easing.

Huffington Post

The rapid bit exchange (RBE) means that each bit of the DH contributions is transmitted on a bit-by-bit basis to estimate the distance between them.

BioMed Research International

By this approach, the interactions are dispersed bit-by-bit rather than all at once [ 119].

BMC Genomics

Parkin-labeled mitochondria are bit-by-bit engulfed by autophagic membranes one at a time.

Cell Research

Sometimes you may get your money bit-by-bit.

WikiHow

During the following two years, Nicolette and Duco dropped the price, bit by bit, to €135,000.

The Guardian

Bit by bit.

The New York Times

"Bit by bit," he replied.

The New York Times

But bit by bit, right?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drops bit by bit" to emphasize a gradual decrease or reduction, rather than a sudden or drastic change. This phrase is suitable when describing processes that unfold slowly over time.

Common error

Avoid using "drops bit by bit" when describing sudden or immediate decreases. This phrase implies a slow and continuous process, so use alternatives like "plummets" or "collapses" for rapid changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drops bit by bit" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action occurs. It specifies that something is decreasing or declining in a gradual, incremental way. The Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drops bit by bit" functions as an adverbial phrase to describe a gradual decline or reduction. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, the phrase currently has limited representation in Ludwig's database, indicating its usage may be less frequent than other similar expressions. Alternative phrases such as "decreases incrementally" or "declines gradually" can be used to convey a similar meaning. The phrase is suitable for neutral registers, emphasizing the gradual nature of change rather than sudden shifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreases incrementally

Replaces "drops" with "decreases" and "bit by bit" with "incrementally", focusing on the gradual nature of the reduction.

declines gradually

Substitutes "drops" with "declines" and "bit by bit" with "gradually", emphasizing the slow and continuous descent.

falls incrementally

Replaces "drops" with "falls" and "bit by bit" with "incrementally", highlighting small steps of reduction.

diminishes slowly

Replaces "drops" with "diminishes" and "bit by bit" with "slowly", highlighting the gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

wanes bit by bit

Substitutes "drops" with "wanes", indicating a decrease in strength or intensity, while retaining "bit by bit" for gradual progression.

reduces in stages

Replaces "drops bit by bit" with "reduces in stages", which focuses on the step-by-step lessening.

lessens over time

Changes the wording to "lessens over time", which implies a decrease happening as time passes.

decreases by degrees

Uses "decreases by degrees" to indicate a measured and gradual decline, implying incremental changes.

ebbs away little by little

Uses the metaphor of "ebbs away" to indicate a gradual decline, with "little by little" reinforcing the gradual aspect.

tapers off slowly

Replaces "drops bit by bit" with "tapers off slowly", emphasizing a gradual reduction to nothing.

FAQs

How can I use "drops bit by bit" in a sentence?

You can use "drops bit by bit" to describe a gradual decrease, such as "As the temperature "drops bit by bit", we know winter is near".

What is a similar phrase to "drops bit by bit"?

Similar phrases include "gradually decreases", "incrementally declines", or "slowly diminishes", all indicating a gradual reduction.

Is it better to say "drops bit by bit" or "decreases rapidly"?

"Drops bit by bit" implies a slow change, while "decreases rapidly" suggests a quick one. The better choice depends on the context you're describing.

What is the difference between "drops bit by bit" and "drops suddenly"?

"Drops bit by bit" describes a gradual decline, whereas "drops suddenly" refers to an abrupt and immediate fall. They are opposites in terms of the rate of change.