it took a bite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it took a bite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something has been consumed or affected in a way that suggests a bite has been taken, often metaphorically. Example: "The apple looked perfect, but when I took a closer look, I realized it took a bite out of my lunch plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The poem "Heart Lake," by Mr. Burke, appears in "Eleven Skagit Poets," and it's about Mr. Rose: Who stepped up to a venerable fir, stretched his arms a third of the way round, no more, and hugged that tree and kissed it, or tasted it, took a bite of it or just breathed in its ancient fragrance … ________________________________________ Dana Jennings is an editor at The Times.

The New York Times

Sitting next to her for hours on end, hoping that she would make it, took a bite out of me.

The Guardian - Business

But when "Jaws" came along, it took a bite out of artsy experimentation in 70's filmmaking, and special effects came in.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

On average, a cheetah will move its dead prey around 60m before it takes a bite.

BBC

It takes a bite out of business".

The New York Times

"It takes a bite out of humble pie," Coughlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It takes a bite out of humble pie," Coughlin said at the time.

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't until I took a bite of the thing, crust still wet and raw in the middle, that I realized it didn't quite work.

Vice

Maybe I took a bite of it?

The New Yorker

H.G.: I took a bite of it, and I felt like I'd been shocked.

The New Yorker

Obediently, I took a bite.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it took a bite" when you want to convey a sense of something being diminished or impacted, often suggesting a gradual or persistent effect.

Common error

Avoid using "it took a bite" in literal contexts unless you are actually describing something being bitten. The phrase works best as a metaphor for something being reduced or affected negatively.

Linguistic Context

"It took a bite" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. The phrase typically denotes a reduction or negative impact on something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it took a bite" is a commonly used idiom that signifies a reduction or negative impact on something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and appropriateness, noting its presence in various news and media contexts. While it often conveys a negative sense, the phrase is versatile enough to be used in multiple settings. When writing, remember that it's best used metaphorically to represent a gradual or persistent effect, as highlighted by the examples provided by Ludwig. Related phrases such as "it had an impact" can be suitable alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had an impact

Focuses on the effect or influence rather than the act of biting, generalizing the consequence.

it made a dent

Implies a noticeable but not necessarily significant reduction or effect.

it diminished something

Highlights the act of reducing or lessening something, removing the biting metaphor.

it consumed a portion

Emphasizes the consumption aspect, often referring to resources or time.

it exacted a toll

Suggests a negative consequence or burden as a result of something.

it affected significantly

Focuses on the impact with an emphasis on its importance.

it had consequences

Highlights that the action caused a number of results.

it made inroads

It represents a start or progress in a certain activity or field.

it encroached upon

It is an invasive process where something exceeds a certain area and gets into another.

it made an impression

It is a mental or emotional impact upon someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "it took a bite" to describe how something has negatively affected another thing, such as, "The economic downturn "it took a bite" out of their savings".

What's a more formal alternative to "it took a bite"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "it significantly diminished", "it had a substantial impact", or "it considerably reduced".

Is "it took a bite out of" the same as "it made a dent in"?

While similar, "it took a bite out of" often implies a more negative or detrimental effect than "it made a dent in", which suggests a smaller, less severe impact.

Can "it took a bite" be used in a positive context?

Rarely. "It took a bite" usually implies a negative reduction or impact. A positive context would be unusual and potentially confusing.