quite a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'quite a bit' is a perfectly acceptable, common expression in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a large amount or degree of something. For example: "I have learned quite a bit about computer programming since joining this class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Probably quite a bit.

The Economist

Quite a bit.

The New York Times - Sports

Oddly, quite a bit.

The Economist

It's quite a bit.

The New York Times

Yes, quite a bit.

The New York Times

Actually, quite a bit.

Cornell University

He got quite a bit.

The New York Times

We swore quite a bit.

The New York Times - Arts

"He's matured quite a bit.

The New York Times - Sports

Quite a bit goes wrong.

The New York Times

Quite a bit, in fact.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite a bit" when you want to indicate a noticeable or significant amount, but avoid overuse in formal writing where more precise language may be preferred.

Common error

While "quite a bit" is acceptable in many situations, avoid it in highly formal documents like academic papers or legal briefs. Opt for stronger, more precise terms like "significantly" or "substantially" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a bit" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate degree or quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used to denote a considerable extent, level, or amount. It adds emphasis without being overly formal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite a bit" is a common and versatile phrase used to express a considerable quantity or degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. While appropriate in many contexts, it's best to reserve it for situations where a slightly informal tone is acceptable, opting for more precise alternatives like "significantly" or "substantially" in formal settings. Found frequently in News & Media and Academic sources, it’s a useful addition to any writer's vocabulary, allowing for concise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good deal

Emphasizes the quantity or extent involved; slightly more formal.

a lot

More informal and direct way to express the same idea.

considerably

Highlights a significant degree or extent, often used in more formal contexts.

significantly

Focuses on the importance or impact of the quantity.

substantially

Indicates a large amount or degree, similar to 'considerably'.

appreciably

Suggests a noticeable or measurable quantity.

markedly

Highlights a noticeable or significant difference.

to a great extent

More verbose and formal way of saying "quite a bit".

in large measure

Formal and literary; emphasizes the magnitude of the amount.

to a considerable degree

Formal alternative, emphasizing the degree or level.

FAQs

How can I use "quite a bit" in a sentence?

You can use "quite a bit" to describe a significant amount or degree of something. For example, "I learned "quite a bit" about history in that class" or "She improved "quite a bit" after practicing every day".

What are some alternatives to saying "quite a bit"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a good deal", "a lot", or "considerably" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "quite a bit" formal or informal?

"Quite a bit" is generally considered to be relatively informal. While acceptable in many contexts, it may be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives like "significantly" or "substantially" in academic or professional writing.

Is it correct to say "quite a bit of"?

Yes, it is correct to say ""quite a bit" of" when referring to a non-countable noun. For example, "I have "quite a bit" of work to do" is grammatically sound.