request a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for a small amount of something, whether it's information, help, or a favor. Example: "Could you please request a bit more time to complete the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Other trustees found Mr. Raacke's request a bit odd.

The New York Times

If I'm right in my analysis of your manager, though he may find your request a bit surprising, it's unlikely he will take it personally.

The Guardian - Money

So -- may I request a bit more civility and quality control in our public debates and media coverage?

Huffington Post

We found the request a bit out of the ordinary and hastened to our intensive care unit.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Tell them it's definitely too low, but you can lower your original request a bit.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It also requested a bit of guidance.

The New Yorker

Salt and pepper shakers are not on the table and must be requested — a bit of an affectation.

The New York Times

At a B&B, if you ask for cream for your coffee, your host will appear stunned, as if you'd requested a bit of roasted badger with your eggs.

Huffington Post

As Keating read, Ruben would occasionally interrupt with a request for a bit more of a pause here, or a touch of a quieter, more intimate expression during passages of internal monologue.

The New York Times - Books

Although some in Congress have already questioned whether the request is a bit bloated, few doubt the need for significant federal assistance to jump-start the city's shellshocked economy.

The New York Times

No Sandersesque call for a revolution, no Trump-like promise of greatness, just a gee-up about how these are terrifically exciting times and a modest request for a bit more of a go because he has a plan that might take away that nagging fear about where the economy is heading and what new plot is going to explode in Canberra and wouldn't that be nice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "request a bit" when you want to politely ask for a small amount or degree of something, be it information, assistance, or a change. This phrasing softens the request, making it less demanding.

Common error

While "request a bit" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or professional documents. In such cases, more precise and professional language might be preferable, such as "request a small amount" or "ask for a minor adjustment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request a bit" functions as a verb phrase used to express a polite request for a small amount or degree of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It softens the request, making it less demanding than a direct order.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "request a bit" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for politely asking for a small amount of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, although it is best suited for informal and neutral contexts and less appropriate for formal writing, where more precise language is advisable. While examples are not copious, the phrase appears in reputable news and media outlets, suggesting its acceptance in general usage. Alternatives like "ask for a little" or "request a small amount" may be more appropriate depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for a little

Uses simpler language to convey the same idea.

ask for a small amount

Focuses on the size of the request, emphasizing a small quantity.

request a small quantity

Emphasizes the measured amount being requested.

ask for a slight adjustment

Highlights the adjustment rather than the quantity.

request a minor change

Focuses on the change being requested, not a specific bit.

request a small piece

Implies a physical or conceptual portion.

request a touch

Emphasizes subtlety and light intervention.

ask for a fraction

Highlights that the request only involves a small portion of a whole.

ask for a speck

Implies an extremely small amount is requested.

request some measure

Highlights asking for specific proportion.

FAQs

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

You can use "request a bit" to politely ask for something in a small quantity. For example, "Could I "request a bit" more time to finish this task?"

What can I say instead of "request a bit"?

You can use alternatives like "ask for a little", "request a small amount", or "ask for a slight adjustment" depending on the context.

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

While acceptable, using more formal alternatives like "request a small amount" might be preferable in very formal contexts.

What's the difference between "request a bit" and "demand a bit"?

"Request a bit" implies a polite ask, while "demand a bit" suggests a more forceful or assertive approach. The choice depends on the situation and your desired tone.