receded a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "receded a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has moved back or diminished slightly, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "As the tide receded a bit, more of the beach was exposed, revealing shells and seaweed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

AT LEAST the panic of the spring, when Greece was on the edge of default, has receded a bit.

The Economist

At the close, BHP had receded a bit to 21.40 Australian dollars, up 2.1percentt, while the ASX All Ordinaries Index fell more than 1percentt.

The New York Times

The economy is booming, the United States is pre-eminent in the world, abortion appears to have receded a bit as a concern on both left and right.

The New York Times

"The Dr. Martens brown-shoe growth trend we saw that started about four years ago leveled off about two years ago, and has perhaps receded a bit," said Greg Hartley, executive director of the Athletic Footwear Association.

The New York Times

Now, Mr. Cohen argues, "Iraq has a receded a bit," and "you are seeing Bush react with his own instincts," which have led him, inevitably, to compare the attacks in Israel to the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States.

The New York Times

It is in this response I found a sense of purpose through Malcolm X. Cushioned by the increasing numbers of activists of the time the white racism receded a bit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Perhaps, if other law enforcement agencies follow this lead, German shepherds will recede a bit from public view.

The New York Times

Those questions have not gone away, officials said, but they may recede a bit after Mr. Clinton's visit.

The New York Times

If that happens, the health care law could recede a bit, becoming just one more in a series of important issues that will be debated by the candidates.

The New York Times

"The lake is slowly beginning to recede a bit," said Ernie Barnett, the interim executive director for the South Florida Water Management District.

The New York Times

It also recedes a bit from the book's early mania, though Smith's resolution of his internal conflicts starts to feel slightly pat.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "receded a bit" to indicate a slight decrease or lessening in intensity, size, or importance. It's suitable when you want to convey that something hasn't disappeared entirely but has diminished to some degree.

Common error

Avoid using "receded a bit" when the reduction is significant. This phrase suggests a minor change, so using it for substantial decreases can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "receded a bit" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a slight decrease or diminution. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It modifies a verb, describing how something has moved back or lessened to a small degree, without entirely disappearing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "receded a bit" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a slight decrease or diminution. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules. It is primarily found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the reduction is indeed minor to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives such as "slightly diminished" or "eased slightly" can offer similar meanings in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Receded to a degree

Replaces "a bit" with "to a degree", indicating a partial reduction.

Slightly diminished

Replaces "receded" with a direct synonym for decreasing, maintaining the "a bit" modifier.

Eased slightly

Substitutes "receded" with "eased" to convey a lessening of pressure or intensity.

Diminished marginally

Synonymous replacements that emphasizes a slight reduction in something.

Decreased a little

Uses a more straightforward term "decreased" instead of "receded", keeping the same diminutive modifier.

Subsided somewhat

Employs "subsided" to suggest a calming or settling down, implying a reduction in activity or prominence.

Lessen to some extent

Uses the verb "lessen" and the phrase "to some extent" to show diminishing but perhaps not completely disappearing.

Abated slightly

Replaces "receded" with "abated," suggesting a decrease in intensity or severity.

Faded a little

Uses "faded" to indicate a weakening or becoming less distinct.

Waned slightly

Substitutes "receded" with "waned," suggesting a gradual decline or decrease in power or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "receded a bit" to describe something that has slightly diminished. For example, "After the storm, the floodwaters "receded a bit", revealing the debris."

What are some alternatives to "receded a bit"?

Some alternatives include "slightly diminished", "eased slightly", or "decreased a little", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "receded a little bit" instead of "receded a bit"?

While "receded a little bit" is grammatically correct, ""receded a bit"" is generally more concise and preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "receded a bit" and "disappeared completely"?

"Receded a bit" indicates a slight reduction or retreat, while "disappeared completely" means something is entirely gone. They describe different degrees of diminishing.