a bit of an understatement vs a bit of understatement

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'A bit of an understatement' is more commonly used and emphasizes the degree of understatement, while 'a bit of understatement' is less common and may not convey the same level of emphasis.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1387 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize the degree of understatement.

"a bit of an understatement"

This phrase is used to indicate that something is being understated to a small degree. It emphasizes the mildness of the understatement.

Examples:

To say he was a bit upset would be a bit of an understatement.
Her talent is extraordinary; calling it just good would be a bit of an understatement.

Show examples from the web [+]

To say that one was freely adapted is a bit of an understatement, guvnor.
But that's a bit of an understatement, don't you think?
"Asking a lot" Seems to be a bit of an understatement, doesn't it?
That's a bit of an understatement.
That's a bit of an understatement.
"Nice" is a bit of an understatement.
That would be a bit of an understatement, yes.
"Not good" is a bit of an understatement.
Highly intelligent may be A bit of an understatement.
That's a bit of an understatement.
That's a bit of an understatement.
That's a bit of an understatement, don 't you think?
"Asking a lot" Seems to be a bit of an understatement, doesn't it?
That's a bit of an understatement.

Alternatives:

a bit of a understatement
a slight understatement
a small understatement
a modest understatement
an understatement

This phrase is correct but less common. It may not convey the same level of emphasis as 'a bit of an understatement'.

"a bit of understatement"

This phrase can also be used to indicate that something is being understated, but it may not emphasize the degree of understatement as strongly.

Examples:

To say she was disappointed would be a bit of understatement.
His contribution was significant; calling it minor would be a bit of understatement.

Show examples from the web [+]

That's a bit of understatement.
That's a bit of an understatement.
That's a bit of an understatement.
"Nice" is a bit of an understatement.
Highly intelligent may be A bit of an understatement.
To say that one was freely adapted is a bit of an understatement, guvnor.
That would be a bit of an understatement, yes.
"Not good" is a bit of an understatement.
That's a bit of an understatement, don 't you think?
"Asking a lot" Seems to be a bit of an understatement, doesn't it?
But that's a bit of an understatement, don't you think?
"Asking a lot" Seems to be a bit of an understatement, doesn't it?
That's a bit of an understatement.
That's a bit of an understatement.
That's a bit of an understatement.
I could fetch a bit of paper...
A bit of turmoil since you left.
You have quite a bit of debt.
And it received quite a bit of attention.
A bit of a problem, legally speaking.

Alternatives:

a touch of understatement
a hint of understatement
a dash of understatement
a smidgen of understatement
a tad of understatement

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a bit of an understatement vs a bit of understatement