temper a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "temper a bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting to moderate or soften one's attitude or emotions slightly. Example: "I think you should temper a bit your enthusiasm during the meeting to ensure everyone feels included."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I lost my temper a bit with one of the players before kick-off because he was looking at the other results.

The Guardian - Sport

I suppose I lost my temper a bit, but I think it's really important that we address homophobic statements regardless of whether it's couched in humor or in serious political conversations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

critics has also tempered a bit.

The New York Times

The virulent criticism after Mr. Shahzad's death has tempered a bit.

The New York Times

However, a meeting between the two on November 12th ended with tempers a bit cooler, but no meeting of minds.The president said she wanted to discuss power-sharing.

The Economist

In the first hour she was given to visit with her son privately, her longing to see him cracked open, but was also tempered a bit.

The New York Times

While gas prices have tempered a bit, they were still a dollar higher this July than a year ago, said Michael McNamara, vice president for research and analysis at MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, which tracks gasoline prices and use along with overall consumer spending.

The New York Times

Among the 21 acts set to appear this year are deSol, Latin rockers from Asbury Park, N.J.; High Voltage, winner of a battle-of-the-bands contest held at the Westchester County Center in January; and Graham Parker, the British singer-songwriter who emerged from the mid-1970s pub-rock scene with a reputation — since tempered a bit — as a latter-day angry young man.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM LOU: In light of McCain's defeat in 2008 and the need for a strong GOP candidate, will concerns about Romney's Mormonism among evangelical Republicans have tempered a bit, or do they seem to be as large an issue as last time?

The New Yorker

But then the cheers were tempered a bit.

Forbes

The rage I felt yesterday re: BioShock 2 DLC has tempered a bit, if only because I saw Food, Inc. last night my rage is now directed at the likes of Monsanto and ConAgra.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "temper a bit" when you want to suggest a slight moderation of emotions, opinions, or actions. It's suitable for suggesting a gentler approach without completely changing course.

Common error

Avoid using "temper a bit" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or sophisticated term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "moderate" or "alleviate" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temper a bit" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to modify the intensity or severity of something. As noted by Ludwig AI, it suggests a slight adjustment, aligning with examples where it modifies emotions, expectations, or enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Temper a bit" is a verb phrase that suggests a slight moderation or reduction in intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Primarily found in News & Media, it conveys a sense of gentle adjustment rather than a drastic change. When writing, it is important to consider the context; using more formal alternatives may be appropriate for academic or professional settings. The phrase can be effectively used to advise a softer approach, as seen in the example, "I think you should "temper a bit" your enthusiasm to avoid overwhelming others".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soften slightly

Focuses on making something less harsh or severe.

moderate somewhat

Emphasizes a reduction in intensity or degree.

tone down a little

Suggests a decrease in the forcefulness or intensity of something.

reduce a tad

Highlights a small decrease or lessening.

decrease marginally

Focuses on a slight reduction in quantity or degree.

alleviate slightly

Implies a reduction in pain or difficulty.

ease off somewhat

Suggests a gradual reduction in pressure or effort.

diminish a little

Focuses on making something smaller or less significant.

curtail marginally

Emphasizes a slight restriction or limitation.

mitigate subtly

Implies a gentle reduction in the severity of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "temper a bit" to suggest a slight moderation of something. For example, "I think you should "temper a bit" your enthusiasm to avoid overwhelming others."

What does "temper a bit" mean?

"Temper a bit" means to moderate or soften something slightly. It implies a gentle adjustment rather than a drastic change.

What are some alternatives to "temper a bit"?

Alternatives include "soften slightly", "moderate somewhat", or "tone down a little". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "temper a bit" formal or informal?

"Temper a bit" leans towards informal. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "moderate somewhat" or "alleviate slightly".