take a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a bit" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a limited amount of something, usually when you are speaking informally. For example, "I just need to take a bit of time to get organized before I can start working on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But economists take a bit more convincing.

The Economist

"Things do take a bit longer here".

The New York Times

"DNA identification will take a bit longer".

Independent

It does take a bit longer".

The New York Times

(The East would take a bit longer).

The New York Times

They just take a bit longer.

Independent

It does take a bit of time.

The Guardian - Sport

Flounder and haddock take a bit longer".

The Guardian

It will take a bit of everything.

The New York Times

Now he says it might take a bit longer.

The Economist

In short, it can take a bit of getting through.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a bit" in contexts where you want to convey that something requires a small amount of time, effort, or resources, without being overly precise. It's suitable for informal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "take a bit" in formal or professional writing where precision and formality are expected. Opt for more specific and professional alternatives like "require some time" or "necessitate a certain amount of effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a bit" functions as a verb phrase expressing the requirement of a certain amount of time, effort, or resources. It's used to indicate that something needs a small, unspecified portion of something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a bit" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to indicate that something will require a small amount of time, effort, or resources. While versatile, it's best suited for informal contexts. More formal settings may benefit from more specific alternatives such as "require some time" or "necessitate a certain amount of effort". Ludwig examples indicate its presence in diverse sources, though its informality should guide its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate a little time

Similar to 'allocate some time', but implies a smaller, perhaps more casual, commitment.

give it some thought

Recommends careful consideration, useful when "take a bit" implies reflection or analysis.

allocate some time

Focuses on dedicating a portion of time, emphasizing planning and intention.

devote some attention

Stresses focused attention, implying a mindful effort to understand or improve something.

necessitate some time

Indicates that a task or process will inevitably need a certain amount of time.

invest a little

Emphasizes expending effort or resources, applicable when "take a bit" refers to something other than time.

demand a little patience

Specifically refers to the need for patience, useful when the original phrase implies waiting.

require some effort

Highlights the necessity of effort, shifting the focus from the actor to the action.

afford some moments

Suggests a less formal, more personal allotment of moments or short periods.

earmark a portion

Implies setting aside a specific part of something, like resources or space.

FAQs

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

You can use "take a bit" to indicate a small amount of time, effort, or resources needed for something. For example, "This might "require some effort", but it's worth it" or "The process will "necessitate some time", so be patient".

What are some alternatives to "take a bit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "allocate some time", "dedicate a little time", or "invest a little".

Is "take a bit" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "take a bit" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise phrases like "require some time" or "necessitate a certain amount of effort".

What's the difference between "take a bit" and "take some time"?

"Take a bit" implies a smaller, less defined amount of time compared to "take some time". "Take some time" is more general, while "take a bit" suggests only a small portion is needed.