How to say “a little bit” like a native speaker
A small amount or degree. It often softens an adjective, as in being a little bit nervous.
All phrases · Small talk
Hear “a little bit” in real speech
Clip 1 · Learn English with Bob the Canadian
Let's Learn English! Topic: Action Verbs! 🤲😎🌷 (Lesson Only) · 7:01
About this video
Bob the Canadian teaches action verbs with explanations and examples. He describes physical actions such as punching, kicking and dragging to help learners connect each verb with a movement.
In context
When you drag things, it also sometimes will wreck it a little bit.It will wear out a little bit.
It will make a hole in the box if you drag it like on a stone driveway.
Clip 2 · Graham Shaw
Why people believe they can’t draw - and how to prove they can | Graham Shaw | TEDxHull · 1:07
About this video
Graham Shaw asks the audience whether they believe they can draw. He challenges the idea that drawing is simply an inborn talent and leads the audience through drawing techniques.
In context
Oh, yes!Or even a little bit like this?
Actually, there are only two things you need to do to be able to achieve this.
Clip 3 · Patrick Winston (MIT)
How to Speak · 60:11
About this video
Patrick Winston teaches a lecture about speaking and communicating ideas. He discusses the role of knowledge and practice, and uses presentation slides to illustrate choices that help or hinder an audience.
In context
PATRICK WINSTON: Now, watch this.Let's go back a little bit and redo it.
What I want you to see is that at one point, he seems to be almost pressing his lips together, forcing himself not to say thank you.
When to use “a little bit”
- Describing mild nerves: “I'm a little bit nervous about the interview.”
- Requesting a small change: “Could you move your chair a little bit?”
Common learner mistake
Before a noun, use “a little bit of”: “a little bit of water”, not “a little bit water”.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “a little bit”
The article “a” is normally weak. In some American accents the middle T in “little” sounds like a quick tap; other accents keep a clearer T.
Related phrases
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