getting on a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

'getting on a bit' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to someone's increasing age or when referring to a situation which has been going on for some time. For example, "My grandmother is getting on a bit now but she still loves to go out for walks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Pythons might getting on a bit, but they still know how - and want - to put on a show.

BBC

Yes, they're getting on a bit — thirty-one and thirty, respectively, which is, like, seventy-something, in pro-tennis years.

The New Yorker

Clumsy Ninja Android/iOS (Free + IAP) Clumsy Ninja may be getting on a bit now but it remains one of the most innovative character-driven games on mobile.

The Guardian - Tech

We're all getting on a bit".

Independent

"He is getting on a bit now.

Independent

"He is, however, getting on a bit.

Independent

Getting on a bit, are we?

Independent

"I'm getting on a bit.

The Guardian - Film

"He's getting on a bit, after all".

Independent

Noah Baumbach is getting on a bit.

The Guardian - Film

He is getting on a bit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting on a bit" when you want to gently suggest that someone or something is aging or becoming outdated without being overly critical or harsh. It's often used with a touch of humor or affection.

Common error

Avoid using "getting on a bit" in formal or serious contexts where a more direct or respectful term like "aging" or "older" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sometimes sound dismissive or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting on a bit" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used as a euphemism to indicate that someone or something is aging or becoming old. It's a gentler way of pointing out age without being too direct. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "getting on a bit" is a common and acceptable way to suggest that someone or something is aging. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically sound expression. Primarily used in informal contexts, particularly in British English as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples from sources like The Guardian and BBC, it serves to soften the impact of discussing age, conveying a sense of gentle humor or affection. While widely used in news and media, it's best to avoid using it in formal or highly serious situations where more direct or respectful language is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aging

A simple and direct way to refer to the process of becoming older.

growing older

Focuses on the process of aging, without necessarily implying decline.

getting along in years

Similar to advancing in years but slightly less formal.

advancing in years

A more formal way of saying someone is aging.

past one's prime

Suggests that someone or something is no longer at its best.

slowing down

Highlights a reduction in pace or ability due to age.

long in the tooth

An informal idiom suggesting someone is old.

not as young as one used to be

A more verbose way of stating that someone is aging.

over the hill

Suggests someone is past their peak performance and is declining.

on the wrong side of forty

Indicates someone is older than a specific age, often used humorously.

FAQs

What does "getting on a bit" mean?

It's an idiomatic phrase that gently suggests someone or something is becoming old or outdated.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "getting on a bit"?

It's appropriate in informal settings when you want to imply aging without being too direct or harsh, often with a touch of humor.

What can I say instead of "getting on a bit"?

You can use alternatives like "growing older", "advancing in years", or "aging" depending on the context.

Is "getting on a bit" formal or informal?

It's an informal phrase and should be avoided in formal or serious contexts. More formal options include ""aging"" or ""growing older"".