it takes a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it takes a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something requires a small amount of time or effort to complete. Example: "It takes a bit of patience to learn a new language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Analyzing it takes a bit longer, though).

The New York Times - Science

Sometimes it takes a bit.

The New York Times

It takes a bit of study.

The Guardian - Music

Sometimes it takes a bit too long".

The Guardian - Business

It takes a bit of stress off our mam.

The Guardian

"It takes a bit of time to realise it.

The Guardian - Sport

"That is why it takes a bit more time.

The Guardian

It takes a bit away from this win".

The New York Times - Sports

"But it takes a bit longer to change attitudes".

The New York Times

It takes a bit of experience to write a correct Faust program on the first try.

Stanford University

Well, OK, you can, but it takes a bit of effort.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it takes a bit" to soften potentially negative news or to manage expectations about the time or effort required for a task.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "it takes a bit" in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise language such as "it requires considerable time" or "it necessitates significant effort" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes a bit" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression to indicate that something requires a certain amount of time, effort, or a specific quality. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

23%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it takes a bit" is a versatile expression used to convey that something requires a certain degree of time, effort, or specific qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While its register is generally neutral, avoiding overuse in overly formal writing is advisable. Alternatives such as "it requires some effort" or "it needs a little time" can provide more precision when necessary. Remember to use this phrase to effectively manage expectations and provide realistic assessments without sounding overly negative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires some effort

Emphasizes the need for exertion or energy.

it needs a little time

Highlights the time investment required.

it involves some work

Focuses on the labor or activity involved.

it calls for patience

Stresses the importance of being patient.

it demands a degree of skill

Highlights expertise and abilities.

it necessitates a small amount

Emphasizes the need of a particular quantity or amount.

it takes some doing

Implies that achieving something requires effort or skill.

it demands some attention

Implies something needs to be carefully watched or listened to.

it takes some practice

Highlights experience and abilities.

it requires a certain level

Emphasizes the need of a particular standard or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "it takes a bit" in a sentence?

You can use "it takes a bit" to describe the amount of effort, time, or skill needed for a task. For example, "It takes a bit of practice to master this skill" or "It takes a bit of patience to solve this problem".

What can I say instead of "it takes a bit"?

You can use alternatives like "it requires some effort", "it needs a little time", or "it involves some work" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it takes a little bit" instead of "it takes a bit"?

Yes, "it takes a little bit" is a more emphatic way of saying "it takes a bit", adding slight additional emphasis to the time or effort required.

What's the difference between "it takes a bit" and "it takes a while"?

"It takes a bit" suggests a relatively small amount of time or effort, while "it takes a while" implies a more considerable duration or greater level of exertion. The choice depends on the specific context and the magnitude you wish to convey.