it barely fits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it barely fits" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is just able to fit within a certain space or context, often implying that it is a tight or uncomfortable fit. Example: "I tried to pack all my clothes into the suitcase, but it barely fits, and I had to leave some items behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

His glass desk is so long that it barely fits in the room, but there are no papers on it.

The New Yorker

Its offices are on the third floor of a modest building with an elevator so narrow it barely fits three people.

The New York Times - Sports

The Tour is so big, with so many media and public relations vehicles - not to mention the vast coaches in which the cyclists take refuge before the stage starts - that it barely fits in any but the largest towns.

The Guardian - Sport

It barely fits into one day, but we're gonna pack it in.

TechCrunch

(Hell, it barely fits on a Blu-ray disc).

Vice

Comedy so broad it barely fits on the screen, it is hard not to be amused".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It barely fit in the glove compartment.

The New York Times

It barely fit in their boat as they brought it back to dry land.

The Guardian

Time for the Leap By Nov. 8 all the scenery had finally been stored backstage, but it barely fit.

The New York Times

Mom died two years ago, but it is easy enough to picture her zooming around town, her belly so big it barely fit behind the wheel.

The New York Times - Travel

Soon, someone gave him a new bike, but it barely fit him, and by then his over-all lead had already melted away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it barely fits" to create a sense of urgency or tension, emphasizing the limited space or resources available.

Common error

Avoid using "it barely fits" when something clearly doesn't fit at all. This phrase indicates a near fit, not a complete mismatch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it barely fits" typically functions as a statement describing the relationship between an object and a space or constraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable. It indicates that something is only just able to fit, implying a tight or uncomfortable fit.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it barely fits" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered expression used to describe situations where something only just manages to fit into a given space or constraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and appropriate. The phrase's usage patterns indicate that is found often in "News & Media" and "Wiki", as it provides an immediate and easy-to-understand image to the reader. Rephrasing options include alternatives such as "it is a tight fit" or "it is a squeeze". When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define what 'it' is and in what context it is nearly overflowing to maximize clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is a tight fit

Emphasizes the snugness of the fit, focusing on the lack of extra space.

it is a squeeze

Suggests that fitting something requires effort and possibly some adjustment.

it nearly doesn't fit

Highlights the precariousness of the fit, indicating it was close to not fitting at all.

it is almost too small

Focuses on the limited size of the space compared to the object being fitted.

it's a close call

Implies that it only just fits, with an element of luck or narrow margin.

it is a snug fit

Similar to a tight fit, but can sometimes imply a comfortable or secure fit.

it only just goes in

Highlights the act of inserting something into a space where it barely fits.

it scrapes through

Suggests that something manages to fit, but only with difficulty or resistance.

it's a near thing

Indicates that something almost didn't fit, highlighting the narrow margin.

it barely makes it

Focuses on the successful, but difficult, act of fitting something in.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it barely fits"?

Alternatives include "it is a tight fit", "it is a squeeze", or "it nearly doesn't fit" depending on the context.

What does "it barely fits" imply?

The phrase "it barely fits" suggests that something is only just able to fit within a given space or set of constraints. It implies a minimal amount of extra room, if any.

Is "it barely fits" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it barely fits" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a situation where something is just able to fit.

When should I use "it barely fits" versus "it doesn't fit"?

Use "it barely fits" when something manages to fit with very little room to spare. Use "it doesn't fit" when something cannot be accommodated at all.