little bit easy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little bit easy" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would typically be "a little bit easy." Example: "I found the exam to be a little bit easy compared to what I expected."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Sports

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Last year, we decided to take it a little bit easy and try to work for this," she said.

The New York Times

(I. Sherburne pic) http://t.co/6GynhzHeIz July 5, 2013 3.42pm BST The sprinters' group is now six minutes behind the peloton, and though there was a lot of sense in their decision to take things a little bit easy, they should only take that so far.

The Guardian - Sport

But now that he's already won the Nobel, he can take it just a little bit easy, right?

Science Magazine

"After that, I'm not sure the boys thought it was going to be a little bit easy because we were so much on top.

BBC

"I knew it was going to be tough, but today, I just putted really well, hit good iron shots and made it look a little bit easy.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I've been a little bit easier on myself.

The New York Times - Sports

So it will just be that little bit easier.

The Guardian

I can afford it a little bit easier.

The New York Times

"Fade it in a little bit easier around the neck.

The New York Times

"We can change lines a little bit easier than them.

The New York Times - Sports

It's becoming a little bit easier for me".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger, more descriptive adjectives instead of relying on "easy" to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

The most common mistake is dropping the article "a" before "little", which makes the phrase grammatically incorrect. Remember to always include the "a" for proper grammar.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little bit easy" functions as an adjective phrase intending to modify a noun, describing something as being somewhat simple or effortless. However, it's grammatically flawed due to the missing article "a", as noted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little bit easy" is used to describe something as moderately easy or simple. However, as indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically incorrect due to the omission of the article "a". The correct form is "a little bit easy". While understandable in informal contexts, it's best to avoid "little bit easy" in formal writing. Instead, consider alternatives like "somewhat simple", "slightly effortless", or "a tad undemanding" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity. Although examples can be found from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, it does not justify the grammatical error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat simple

Highlights the simplicity aspect, suggesting a lack of complexity.

Relatively uncomplicated

Similar to "somewhat simple" but with a slightly more formal tone.

Slightly effortless

Emphasizes the minimal amount of effort required.

Moderately straightforward

Suggests a clear and uncomplicated path or process.

Not too taxing

Emphasizes the lack of strain or burden involved.

A tad undemanding

Focuses on the lack of demands or requirements.

A breeze

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme ease.

A walk in the park

Another idiomatic expression for something very easy.

Kind of elementary

Implies a basic level of difficulty, suitable for beginners.

Slightly facile

May suggest an oversimplification or lack of depth.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "little bit easy"?

The grammatically correct way is to say "a little bit easy". The inclusion of the article "a" is essential.

What are some alternatives to "a little bit easy"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat simple", "slightly effortless", or "relatively uncomplicated" depending on the context.

Is "little bit easy" ever acceptable to use?

While understandable, "little bit easy" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's best to use "a little bit easy" or a similar alternative.

Why is "little bit easy" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase is missing the article "a" before "little". In English grammar, it's necessary to include the article to properly modify the noun with the adjective phrase, hence "a little bit easy".