running a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "running a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not as it should be or not working properly. For example: "My computer is running a bit slow today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"The end result is lenders are running a bit scared.

The New York Times

(Yes, yes I am running a bit late).

The Guardian - Sport

Aren't we running a bit ahead of ourselves?

The New York Times

"We think the Sierra Club has been running a bit amok," she said.

The New York Times

Perhaps not surprisingly, given her hectic media schedule, the author was running a bit late.

The New Yorker

People magazine is calling; turns out its reporter is running a bit late.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

You can still run a bit.

The New York Times

In Wednesday's set, improvisations ran a bit longer, tempos ran a bit faster.

The New York Times - Arts

And I ran a bit faster.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I wanted to run a bit quicker," said Simpson.

The Guardian - Sport

Astonishingly, "Trainwreck" runs a bit more than two hours.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running a bit" to subtly indicate minor deviations from expected norms, timelines, or performance levels. It avoids sounding overly critical or alarming.

Common error

Avoid using "running a bit" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and prevent the text from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running a bit" primarily functions as a modifier, often acting as an adverbial phrase to qualify verbs or adjectives. It softens statements about conditions or states that are not quite as expected or desired. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "running a bit" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a slight deviation from an expected state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. While most commonly found in news and media, it also appears in business and informal contexts. When using the phrase, consider whether the level of formality is appropriate for your audience; if necessary, more formal alternatives such as "slightly" or "marginally" may be preferable. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing the phrase's adaptable nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little behind schedule

Specifies a slight deviation from the planned timeline, equivalent to "running a bit" behind.

slightly off

Implies a small deviation from the normal or expected, like "running a bit" strangely.

slightly delayed

Indicates a minor delay, similar to "running a bit" late.

a little fast

Conveys a small amount of speed over a certain level, similar to "running a bit" too fast.

somewhat late

Expresses a moderate degree of lateness, akin to "running a bit" late.

somewhat warm

Indicates a mild level of warmth above the usual, equivalent to "running a bit" warm.

a tad slow

Suggests a slight decrease in speed or performance, similar to "running a bit" slow.

marginally inefficient

Implies a small degree of inefficiency, close to "running a bit" inefficiently.

a touch excessive

Indicates a slight overage or exaggeration, comparable to "running a bit" too much.

moderately high

Suggests a level that is slightly above the average, not very high, similar to "running a bit" high.

FAQs

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

You can use "running a bit" to describe a slight deviation from a norm, expectation, or schedule. For example, "The project is running a bit behind schedule" or "The engine is running a bit hot."

What does "running a bit" mean?

"Running a bit" means that something is slightly in a particular state, often implying a deviation from what is normal or expected. It suggests a minor degree of being late, slow, fast, etc.

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

Alternatives include phrases like "slightly delayed", "a little behind schedule", or "somewhat late", depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "running a bit" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "running a bit" leans towards informal usage. In formal writing, consider more precise and professional alternatives such as "marginally" or "slightly", to maintain a more serious tone.