put on a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put on a bit" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to increase or add a small amount of something, often implying that it is not a significant amount. Example: "I think the soup needs more salt, can you put on a bit?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The young ones put on a bit of a show, hanging upside down from branches eating leaves (food again, I told you).

The Guardian - Travel

Her relationship with her father, who has been her coach for most of her life, has never been ultra-smooth and at times it seems his ideas for his daughter's tennis, which at one stage involved asking her to put on a bit of extra weight to increase her power, appear to verge on the crazy.

The Guardian - Sport

Luckily I've put on a bit, but during the trial there was one point when I was 7 stone 11. [She is 5ft 5in.] It's not cute, is it?

The Guardian

He's put on a bit of weight".

The New York Times - Style

"Maybe I've put on a bit more muscle.

The Guardian - Sport

When he came back he'd put on a bit of weight but otherwise he hadn't changed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Puts on a bit of makeup and prances around in front of the camera and then complains about it".

The New Yorker

"He's put on a little bit of weight, he's fit as a fiddle and looks magnificent," Smith added.

BBC

Put on a tiny bit of the tan concealer.

WikiHow

Put on a small bit of face powder, place a small amount on the palm of your hand then using your brush pat into skin.

WikiHow

And they put on a show, a bit of English variety.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to use "put on a bit" in a sentence, ensure they understand it implies a small, often unnoticeable, quantity or degree. Avoid using it when a significant increase is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "put on a bit" when the context requires a larger or more significant quantity. For example, instead of saying "I put on a bit of weight after the holidays" when you gained 10 pounds, choose a more accurate description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put on a bit" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe a slight increase or addition of something. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness and common usage of the expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

21%

Lifestyle

14%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Opinion

5%

Tech

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put on a bit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate adding a small amount of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's most appropriate in neutral to informal contexts, such as news articles or casual conversation, but less so in formal writing. When advising on its usage, ensure the user understands it implies a minor increment. Common applications include describing a slight weight gain, makeup application, or performance enhancement. While versatile, users should be aware of contexts where more precise language might be necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

add a little

Focuses on the action of adding in a small quantity, similar to "put on a bit".

increase slightly

Highlights the minor increment in quantity or degree.

apply a touch

Emphasizes a light application or addition of something.

gain some

Implies acquiring a small amount, particularly related to weight or muscle.

use sparingly

Suggests using a small quantity to conserve or avoid excess.

develop slightly

Focuses on gradual development or increase.

incorporate subtly

Highlights a delicate or understated addition.

grow a little

Implies a gradual increase in size or amount.

present briefly

Emphasizes a short or concise presentation or display.

exaggerate mildly

Highlights a slight overstatement or embellishment.

FAQs

How can I use "put on a bit" in a sentence?

You can use "put on a bit" to indicate adding a small amount of something, such as "Could you "add a little" more salt to the soup?" or "He's "gained some" weight recently."

What does "put on a bit" mean?

"Put on a bit" means to increase or add a small, often insignificant, amount of something. It can refer to weight, makeup, or effort, depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "put on a bit" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise language to specify the amount or degree.

What are some alternatives to "put on a bit"?

Alternatives include phrases like "increase slightly", "apply a touch", or ""add a little"", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.