shorten a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shorten a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to make something shorter in length or duration, often in a casual context. Example: "Could you please shorten a bit the presentation to fit within the time limit?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hudson began to tire in the sixth, his follow-through shortening a bit, his fastball sailing a little more, and the Yankees had chances.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Helfrich brought Part 2 (shortened a bit) — dealing with the Passion, death and resurrection of Jesus — to the present day, opening with a scene of exhausted debauchery after an office Christmas celebration, with seedy Santas and reclining partygoers cynically invoking "the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world".

The New York Times - Arts

The text could be shortened a bit.

F1000Research

I believe that figures could show the microG changes better If figures are kept, please correct first line on Table 1 (data is misplaced) I think it should be 1G (not just in results but throughout the text), and then ground should be deleted (it is a pleonasm in this case) It is very good, clear, and consistent It could be shortened a bit.

F1000Research

Results I believe that figures could show the microG changes better If figures are kept, please correct first line on Table 1 (data is misplaced) I think it should be 1G (not just in results but throughout the text), and then ground should be deleted (it is a pleonasm in this case) Discussion It is very good, clear, and consistent Conclusion It could be shortened a bit.

F1000Research

The trim in the photos was shortened a bit and moved down on the inside and extended on the outside because the new door rests slightly lower than the old one.

WikiHow

That was a nice opening, and the rhythm's spot on, there's something a little unclear in the middle section, I'm not quite sure what it is, but something jars there, well, maybe you could shorten it a bit, I don't know, but then there's that strong image at the end which elevates the whole poem.

The New Yorker

"We're finding the emotional distance between businesses and their customers is shortening quite a bit," he said.

The New York Times

I'm shortening her a bit, but she writes: "My last project was in nowhere, Uganda the District of Ssembabule, about 2 hours outside Masaka.

The New York Times

Because of this, its name has been shortened to bit; a bit of information is thus transmitted whenever one of two alternatives is realized in the machine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It boasts 14 hours of battery life on a full charge, and in my testing, that worked out to be about right, though cranking up the volume can shorten that quite a bit.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shorten a bit", consider the context and audience. It's appropriate for informal settings but might need a more precise term in formal writing.

Common error

While "shorten a bit" is acceptable in casual conversation, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for stronger verbs like "reduce", "decrease", or "abridge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shorten a bit" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in an imperative or request. It suggests the action of making something shorter to a small degree. Even with Ludwig providing a positive sentiment regarding the grammatical structure, the lack of real-world examples underscores its informal nature.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "shorten a bit" is grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates it lacks real-world examples, suggesting it is more informal. It functions as a request for a small reduction in length or duration. In formal writing, more precise alternatives like "reduce slightly" or "condense somewhat" are preferred. When using "shorten a bit", consider your audience and aim for conciseness without compromising clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reduce slightly

Emphasizes a small reduction, similar to "shorten a bit".

Make it a little shorter

More direct and conversational, focusing on the result of shortening.

Cut down slightly

Implies reducing the size or amount by cutting.

Trim a little

Suggests a light and neat reduction, like trimming edges.

Decrease marginally

More formal, implying a small decrease in quantity or value.

Condense somewhat

Focuses on making something more compact or concise.

Abridge slightly

Suggests shortening a text or piece of writing.

Make briefer

A more formal way to say "make shorter".

Pare down a tad

More informal, suggesting a small amount of reduction.

Scale back slightly

Implies reducing the scope or intensity by a small degree.

FAQs

What does "shorten a bit" mean?

"Shorten a bit" means to reduce something slightly in length, duration, or size.

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

You can use "shorten a bit" in a sentence like, "Could you "reduce slightly" the report so it fits on one page?"

What are some alternatives to "shorten a bit"?

Some alternatives to "shorten a bit" include "make it a little shorter", "trim a little", or "decrease marginally" depending on the context.

Is "shorten a bit" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "shorten a bit" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional terms like "reduce slightly" or "condense somewhat".