a little vs a bit?

Both 'a little' and 'a bit' are correct and commonly used in English. They are interchangeable in many contexts, but 'a little' is slightly more formal and 'a bit' is more casual. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 152 views

a little

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal contexts.

Use 'a little' to indicate a small amount or degree of something. It is often used in more formal settings.

Examples:

Could you please add a little more sugar to the recipe?
She was a little nervous before the presentation.

Show examples from the web [+]

You're looking a little pale.
Try that for a little while.
My Google search was a little...
Let me offer a little thinking here.
Backyard could be a little bigger.
Spend a little time, talk.
Just need a little thinking elixir.
Nothing like absorbing a little local culture.
It just needs shortening a little.
I don't mind a little healthy competition.
The boys are probably a little overconfident.
Show the woman a little respect.
Retract the duct a little more laterally.
Consuelo thought a little entertainment might help.
Give your wife a little freedom.
He just needs a little motivation.
Sometimes she talked a little differently.
Might do a little buffalo hunting.
Relax... sip a little champagne.
That made things a little awkward.

Alternatives:

a small amount
a small quantity
slightly
somewhat
to some extent

a bit?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in casual contexts.

Use 'a bit' to indicate a small amount or degree of something. It is often used in more casual settings.

Examples:

I'm a bit tired after the long day.
Could you wait a bit longer?

Show examples from the web [+]

Still practicing, quite a bit?
Can't we open a bit?
Will you hit against me for a bit?
Interested in switching assignments for a bit?
Just... lift the screens a bit?
Think that might weigh on you a bit?
You think he kept a bit?
Keep me company for a bit?
Why don't you try to relax a bit?
Nirvana, you want a bit?
Well, you got to know her a bit?
Do you still love me a bit?
You don't think we should cool it a bit?
But are you prepared to ease up a bit?
Would you like to come in and rest a bit?
Can't he play with me for a bit?
Can you keep it down, just a bit?
Can I steal your mother away for a bit?
Think you could wait with me for a bit?
Can I sit and rest a bit?

Alternatives:

a little
a small amount
a small quantity
slightly
somewhat

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