they bit

USAGE SUMMARY

"they bit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to describe an action, such as when a group of people take a bite of their food. For example: Everyone at the table eagerly awaited their first bite. After the signal, they bit into their lunches.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's good that they bit," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

The goats, eager to snack, were in no mood for yet another couple of tentative city kids who were not sure whether or not they bit.

The New York Times - Arts

They bit.

Forbes

We pitched the idea for "Ask the Elders" and they bit.

Huffington Post

But where bad times bit, they bit hard, and that was in construction.

The New York Times

They bit their lips.

The New York Times - Sports

What would happen if they bit us?

The New Yorker

They bit a few people".

The New York Times

"They bit for it big".

The New York Times - Sports

"They bit off more than they could chew".

The New York Times

Or to quote Bale: "It's good that they bit".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific action, use "they bit" to illustrate a direct, often sudden, act. For broader consumption or impact, consider alternatives like "they consumed" or "they absorbed."

Common error

Avoid using "byte" or "bought" in place of "bit". "Byte" refers to a unit of digital information, and "bought" is the past tense of "buy". Using the correct spelling ensures clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they bit" functions as a simple past tense verb phrase, indicating a completed action performed by a group of individuals or entities. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they bit" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in the English language. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves as a simple past tense verb phrase, denoting a completed action of biting by a group. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, though it appears most frequently in news and media sources. While alternatives such as "they took a bite" or "they nibbled" exist, "they bit" provides a direct and clear way to describe the act of biting. Be mindful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like "byte" or "bought", and in idiomatic contexts, recognize its potential for metaphorical application. Finally, remember Ludwig provides helpful examples in context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they took a bite

Focuses on the physical act of biting.

they snapped

Indicates a quick, sharp bite.

they nibbled

Suggests small or gentle bites.

they chomped

Implies a noisy or forceful bite.

they devoured

Emphasizes rapid and enthusiastic eating.

they munched

Suggests continuous and often audible eating.

they consumed

Highlights the act of eating or taking in.

they latched on

Indicates a firm and sustained grip or hold, like biting and holding on.

they seized

Implies grabbing or taking something quickly, metaphorically similar to biting.

they attacked

Conveys aggression or intensity, similar to a forceful bite.

FAQs

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

You can use "they bit" to describe the action of biting, such as "they bit into the apple" or "they bit their lips".

What are some alternatives to "they bit"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they took a bite", "they nibbled", or "they devoured"/s/. These alternatives offer slightly different connotations.

Is there a difference between "they bit" and "they were bitten"?

"They bit" means they performed the action of biting, while "they were bitten" means they were the recipients of a bite. The first is active, the second is passive.

When is it appropriate to use "they bit the bullet"?

"They bit the bullet" is an idiom meaning they faced a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and stoicism. Use it when describing someone making a tough decision.