What’s the difference between “a bit” and “a bit of”?

Question

Answer

The phrase "a bit" is an adverb, used to modify an adjective or an adverb. The prepositional phrase "a bit of" is used as a quantifying adjective, and must modify a following noun (just as all prepositional phrases take a noun as an object).

Answer

Both mean "a small amount". "A bit" is usually used at the end of a sentence in response to an answer whereas "a bit of" is followed by an noun.

Question: "Do you want some pizza?"
Answer: "Just a little bit"

Statement: "I gained a little bit of weight this winter!"

Answer

*"response to an question"

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