is a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a small degree or amount of something. Here are a couple of examples: 1. The coffee is a bit too hot for me to drink right now. 2. I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything is a bit dirty.

Independent

Maintenance is a bit steep.

The New York Times

That is a bit harsh.

The Economist

"This is a bit sensitive.

The New York Times

"It is a bit decontextualized.

The New York Times

"It is a bit weird".

The Guardian - Sport

He is a bit dull.

The Economist

Plum is a bit pruney.

The New Yorker

That is a bit weak.

Independent

It is a bit tricky.

Independent

This is a bit unfair.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a bit" to soften criticism or express mild disagreement. For example, "That idea is a bit ambitious for our current resources."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "is a bit", as it can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking confidence. Vary your language with more precise qualifiers or descriptive words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a bit" functions as a qualifier, modifying adjectives or adverbs to indicate a slight degree or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use for softening statements and expressing mild opinions, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a bit" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a slight degree or qualification. Ludwig AI indicates it's most frequently found in news and media sources, serving to soften statements or express mild opinions. While it can be useful, avoid overuse and consider more precise alternatives in formal writing. Remember, using "is a bit" adds a touch of nuance to your language, but clarity and confidence should always be prioritized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a little

Replaces "bit" with "little" maintaining a similar emphasis on the small quantity.

is somewhat

Replaces "a bit" with "somewhat", indicating a degree but maintaining similar emphasis.

is slightly

Uses "slightly" instead of "a bit", suggesting a minor degree or extent.

is kind of

Employs "kind of" to convey a similar sense of mild qualification or approximation.

is rather

Substitutes "a bit" with "rather", indicating a moderate degree or extent.

is just a tad

Employs "just a tad" to convey a sense of very slight degree or amount.

is moderately

Uses "moderately" to replace "a bit", indicating a degree but with slightly increased formality.

is subtly

Uses "subtly" instead of "a bit", suggesting a minor degree or extent but also suggesting a delicate or understated quality.

is marginally

Replaces "a bit" with "marginally" which often denotes a very small difference.

is somewhat more

Adds emphasis using "somewhat more", suggesting a relative comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "is a bit" in a sentence?

The phrase "is a bit" is used to express a slight degree of something. For example, "The soup is a bit too salty" or "I'm feeling "is a bit tired" today".

What's a more formal alternative to "is a bit"?

In formal writing, you can use phrases like "is somewhat", "is slightly", or "is moderately" instead of "is a bit" to maintain a more professional tone.

Is it ever incorrect to use "is a bit"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "is a bit" can weaken your writing. Strive for more precise language when possible. However, in informal contexts, it's perfectly acceptable.

What's the difference between "is a bit" and "is very"?

"Is a bit" indicates a small degree, while "is very" indicates a high degree. For example, "The room "is a bit cold"" means it's slightly cold, whereas "The room is very cold" means it's extremely cold.