A few countries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A few countries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of countries in a general context. Example: "A few countries have implemented new environmental policies to combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few countries ask your religion.

The New York Times

A few countries, led by Poland, are pushing back.

The Economist

A few countries account now for most executions.

The Economist

A few countries have reciprocal benefits arrangements with the UK.

The Guardian - Money

A few countries and regions dominate the news and discussion of Islam.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A few countries even pay unemployment benefits indefinitely, in some circumstances.

The New York Times

A few countries like Japan, South Africa, Slovenia, and Croatia represent exceptions.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A few countries won't let them in, the men added.

Los Angeles Times

A few countries had no plans at all.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Maybe a few countries, too.

The New York Times

Just a few countries?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "A few countries", ensure the context makes it clear which countries you are referring to or implying, even if not explicitly named. This avoids vagueness and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "A few countries" when more specific information is available or necessary. If the exact countries are known, naming them provides more precise and informative writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A few countries" functions as a determiner plus noun, identifying a limited number of nations. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears in diverse contexts, indicating its versatility in expressing quantity with global entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "A few countries" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a small number of nations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility is evident across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to ensure clarity by providing context or specifying the countries when necessary. Alternatives such as "several nations" or "some countries" may be used depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Several nations

Replaces "a few" with "several", implying a slightly larger, but still indefinite, number of countries.

Some countries

Uses "some" instead of "a few", a more general and common way to refer to an unspecified number of countries.

A handful of countries

Emphasizes the small number of countries, using a more descriptive and informal term.

A small number of countries

More formally specifies that the number of countries being referred to is small.

A minority of countries

Highlights that the countries represent less than half of the total number of countries.

Certain countries

Indicates that specific, though unnamed, countries are being referred to.

A select few countries

Implies that the countries have been chosen or are special in some way.

A limited number of countries

Stresses the restriction on the quantity of countries.

Only a small group of countries

Highlights the limited scope of the countries being considered.

Not many countries

Uses a negative construction to convey a similar meaning, focusing on the lack of a large number.

FAQs

How can I use "A few countries" in a sentence?

You can use "A few countries" to refer to a small, unspecified number of nations. For example, "A few countries have already implemented the new regulations."

What are some alternatives to "A few countries"?

Alternatives include "several nations", "some countries", or "a handful of countries", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "A few countries" or name the countries specifically?

It depends on the context. If the specific countries are important or relevant, naming them is more informative. If the exact countries are not important, "A few countries" is acceptable.

When is it appropriate to use "A few countries" in formal writing?

It's appropriate when the exact number or identity of the countries isn't crucial to the point being made. However, in academic or professional contexts, providing specific examples or data is generally preferred for increased precision.