bit

The word "bit" is a noun that is used for an amount. A large amount is quite a bit; a small amount is a little bit or a tiny bit. A bit (all by itself) can be large or small.

• I’ll see you in a little bit. (a short time)
• Their company made quite a bit of money last year. (a large amount of money)
• She needs a bit of time to consider her decision. (some time, maybe a long time)
• "This will hurt a little bit," said the nurse as she vaccinated her patient.
• He knows quite a bit about computers. (He knows a lot about computers.)
• They’ll need a bit of time to find new jobs.
• She’s a bit angry at her boss. (a little angry)
• I’ll have just a tiny bit of that cake–not too much.

Notice that "bit" is usually used with the article "a."

There are a few other ways to use the word "bit."

Drill bits are attached to a drill when drilling holes in wood, metal, or concrete.
A person controls a horse through the placement of a bit that goes in the horse’s mouth. The bit is attached to the reins.
A bit can be a short performance. He’s doing a ten-minute comedy bit.

The word "bit" is also the past tense of the verb "bite."

• Sarah bit into her sandwich.
• Jimmy bit his little brother.
• I accidentally bit my tongue.

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May 25, 2014