Bit vs Bitten
What’s the difference between them?
Bit
Meaning:
A bit is a noun that means a binary digit, the smallest unit of data in a computer, typically represented as a 0 or 1.
It is also past tense of the verb 'bite,' which means an action of using teeth to cut into something.
Examples:
1. I bit some cheese to taste it.
2. I'm not sure if I can handle this bit of bad news.
3. The dog bit his arm.
Bitten
Meaning:
Bitten' is a past participle of the verb 'bite.'
Examples:
1. The child had been bitten by a dog.
2. He felt the sharp pain as the snake have bitten him.
3. The apple had been badly bitten.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Bit
Piece (as a part of something)
fragment (as a part of something)
chewed
crunched
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Bitten
chewed
crunched
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Bit", "Bitten".
1. 'Bit' is the simple past form, used for actions that happened at a specific time in the past.
2. 'Bitten' is the past participle form, used with 'have,' 'has,' or 'had' to form perfect tenses.
3. 'Bit': Think of 'It bit in a split second,' where 'bit' rhymes with 'split,' both indicating a specific moment.
4. 'Bitten': Think of 'The cat has bitten the kitten,' where 'bitten' fits as it refers to an event without a specified time.
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Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word 'Bit'?
The word bit can be used as a noun or verb. As a noun, it is used to refer to a small piece or amount of something, such as a 'bit of information'. As a verb, it means to cut or shape something by using a tool or object, such as 'to bit a board'.
When to use the second word 'Bitten'?
Bitten is the past participle of the verb 'to bite'. It is used to describe someone or something that has been bitten by another person or animal, as in 'he was bitten by a snake'.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
No, the words do not have the same pronunciation. The first word, 'bit', is pronounced as 'bit'. The second word, 'bitten', is pronounced as 'bi-tehn'.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'Bit' and 'Bitten'?
A common mistake associated with these words is confusing the two when used in writing. People often use 'bit' when they actually mean 'bitten'. Additionally, the pronunciation of the two words can sometimes be confused, with people using the pronunciation of 'bit' for 'bitten'. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the context of the sentence and ensure the correct word is being used.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Ive been ________ by a mosquito.
2. He ________ an apple.
3. My cat ________ me when I tried to pet it.
4. I saw a ________ in the park.
5. I was ________ by a dog last week.
6. He took a ________ out of the cookie.
1. Answer: bitten
Explanation: Bitten is the past participle of the verb bite, which means to cause a pain or puncture wound by pressing the teeth into something.
2. Answer: bit
Explanation: Bit is the past simple form of the verb bite, which means to cause a pain or puncture wound by pressing the teeth into something.
3. Answer: bit
Explanation: Bit is the past simple form of the verb bite, which means to cause a pain or puncture wound by pressing the teeth into something.
4. Answer: bit
Explanation: Bit is the noun form of the verb bite, which means a small piece or portion of something.
5. Answer: bitten
Explanation: Bitten is the past participle of the verb bite, which means to cause a pain or puncture wound by pressing the teeth into something.
6. Answer: bit
Explanation: Bit is the past simple form of the verb bite, which means to cause a pain or puncture wound by pressing the teeth into something.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.