A bit
We use a bit (of) or bits (of) to refer to quantities. The phrases can refer to both abstract and concrete things. They are an informal alternative to some, or a piece of or pieces of: Do they need a bit of help with their luggage? (or … somehelp …)
There were bits of glass everywhere. (or … pieces ofglass …)
Have you lost a bit of weight? (or … someweight?)
The storm had broken the fence into bits. (meaning ‘into small pieces’)
A bit or bits often have deliberately vague and informal meanings: I’ve given him a few bits of advice.
These words can also soften the meaning, so that a statement is not too direct: Wearing those shoes is a bit of a problem for her, I’m afraid.
We also use a bit to modify adjectives, or as an adverb. It is more informal than a little: They had got a bit tired working in the garden.
Can you wait a bit for us? We’re in heavy traffic.
A bit is also used to modify comparative adjectives and comparative determiners: The climate in New Zealand was a bit nicer than we had expected.
However, a bit and a bit of are not normally used to modify comparative adjectives before nouns: It was a bit more entertaining than the last play we saw.
Not: a bit more entertaining play. or a bit more of entertaining play.
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