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Marold Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Little vs. a little vs. a bit

(1a) "I have a little time."

(1b) "I have a little of time." (This is incorrect, isn't it?)

(2a) "I have a bit time."

(2b) "I have a bit of time." (This is incorrect, isn't it?)

(3) "I have little time."

(4) "I have a little bit time."

What are the differences? Could you please explain each sentence what they say? I know them quite well, but I'd like to make myself 100% sure.

Thank you in advance.
  

Top answer

" Correct. It means I have some time. ) Y es, it's incorrect.

— Cool Breeze

  • " Correct.
  • It means I have some time.
  • ) Y es, it's incorrect.
  • " Wrong again.
  • "A bit" cannot be followed by a noun.
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5 Answers
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(1a) "I have a little time."
Correct. It means I have some time.

(1b) "I have a little of time." (This is incorrect, isn't it?)
Yes, it's incorrect.

(2a) "I have a bit time."
Wrong again. "A bit" cannot be followed by a noun.

(2b) "I have a bit o
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Well, thank you. So these ones should be right:

"I have little time." (=> I have almost no time)
"I have a little time." (=> I have some time)

"I am a little bit tired." = "I am a bit tired." => These are the same, aren't they?
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Marold"I am a little bit tired." = "I am a bit tired." => These are the same, aren't they?
Yes. A bit and a little bit are chiefly used in informal style and spoken English. If you write a doctoral thesis, avoid them.
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2(b) is correct, but is mostly used in fuller sentences:
I have a bit of time Monday when I could fit you in.
I have a bit of time for myself, now that I am retired.

Similarly with (3):
I have little time for people who...

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Well and if I want to use some equivalent with the meaning of "a bit, a little bit" in a formal style, do "somewhat" or "slightly" bear the same meaning as "a bit, a little bit"?
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