it took a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

"it took a bit" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase commonly used to describe something that took longer than expected. For example: "It took a bit longer to download the file than I anticipated".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although Dish has 14 million subscribers, it took a bit of a hit with its Fox News drop.

Huffington Post

It took a bit to get there.

The New York Times - Magazine

And it took a bit of nerve.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sorry it took a bit to get back to you.

Columbia University

"It took a bit longer than was originally planned, certainly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It took a bit of getting used to".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It took a bit longer to sell, he said.

The New York Times

At first it took a bit of getting used to.

The Guardian - Sport

BIG RED It took a bit longer to determine the stop sign's color.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It took a bit of adjustment," said Craig Dexheimer, Salo's director of operations and administration.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Analyzing it takes a bit longer, though).

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it took a bit" to soften the impact when stating that something required more time or effort than initially expected. This can make your communication sound less critical and more understanding.

Common error

While "it took a bit" is suitable for conversational and general writing, avoid overusing it in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "the process required additional time" or "the task necessitated further effort" to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it took a bit" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something required some time, effort, or adjustment. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it took a bit" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe something that required more time or effort than expected. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While it's most frequently found in news and media sources, it's important to consider the context and audience when using it. In more formal settings, it might be preferable to use more precise alternatives. By understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts for "it took a bit", you can effectively communicate delays or challenges in a way that is both clear and considerate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it required some time

Emphasizes the need for a certain amount of time.

it involved some effort

Highlights the effort expended rather than just the time.

it wasn't immediate

Focuses on the lack of instantaneity.

it necessitated a while

Uses more formal language to convey the same meaning.

it demanded a period

Implies a requirement for a defined duration.

it stretched out

Suggests the process took longer than preferred.

it progressed slowly

Highlights the gradual advancement of the subject.

it unfolded gradually

Emphasizes the incremental revelation.

it lingered

Suggests a drawn-out or protracted experience.

it was a process

Highlights that the action was not instantaneous but gradual.

FAQs

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

You can use "it took a bit" to indicate that something required more time, effort, or adjustment than initially anticipated. For example, "It took a bit of time to get used to the new software" or "It took a bit of convincing, but eventually, they agreed to the proposal".

What are some alternatives to "it took a bit"?

Alternatives to "it took a bit" include phrases like "it required some time", "it involved some effort", or "it wasn't immediate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "it took a bit" in formal writing?

While "it took a bit" is perfectly acceptable in general conversation and informal writing, it may be too casual for formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives such as "the process required additional time" or "the task necessitated further effort".

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

Both phrases indicate that something required a certain amount of time. "It took a bit" suggests a slightly shorter duration or a less significant delay compared to "it took a while", which implies a more considerable period.