a certain few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain few" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or redundant.
It can be used when referring to a small, unspecified number of people or things, but it is better to use more precise language. Example: "There are a certain few who believe that the project will succeed despite the challenges."

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

When everyone has left you, Except a certain few.

The Guardian - Film

He wrote "Night and Day," in "Gay Divorce," to fit Fred Astaire's voice, which has a small range and sounds best on a certain few notes.

The New Yorker

Most of us in Newark feel that again this is another prime example of segregation and building for only a certain few".

The New York Times

But there were a certain few things Muir believed in terribly or rather I should say with all the deep ardor, or one almost say fierceness of his temperament, that is in a very _deep_, but not tempestuous way.

University of California, Berkeley

But for a certain few, it is a year-round project, or obsession, that expends more energy on internal quarrels than on selecting the next grand marshal -- which is, come to think of it, a source of bickering in itself.

The New York Times

"So I think that the notion that somehow we have picked out a certain few counties that are trying to get the result we want to achieve is belied by what's happened in the various counties".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In fact, the two goals she acknowledged in envisioning the memory collective were finding a home for her mother's archive and not perpetuating what she referred to as "the feedback loop" of a closed archive that keeps power and knowledge the domain of a select, certain few.

Columbia University

"I think it would be a tremendous challenge and only certain few could do it.

The Guardian - Sport

Being paid to perfect beer sounds like a job that's far too good to be true, but for a certain lucky few, it's a reality.

Independent

Now, for a certain lucky few, Google's own browser, Chrome, is available on Android devices and it's a very nice upgrade.

The New York Times

The primary tumor cannot exceed a certain size (few mm3) without being supplied by new blood vessels [1].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain few", consider whether more precise language would improve clarity. Instead of vaguely indicating 'a certain few', specify the number or characteristic of the group if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain few" when the context allows for a more specific description. Overusing vague language can weaken your writing and make it less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain few" functions as a determiner modifying a noun. It indicates a limited and unspecified number of items or individuals. Ludwig notes that while grammatically correct, the phrase can be considered somewhat awkward and may often benefit from a more precise replacement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain few" is used to denote a limited, unspecified number of individuals or items. Ludwig indicates that, while grammatically sound, it can sometimes come across as awkward and may benefit from a more precise alternative, such as ""a select few"" or ""a small number"". Its usage is most common in news and media, with occasional appearances in academic contexts. When writing, consider whether a more specific term would enhance clarity, and avoid overusing vague phrases like "a certain few".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a select few

This is a more common and often more elegant way of expressing the same idea.

a small number

This is a more direct and less vague alternative.

a limited number

This alternative emphasizes the restricted quantity.

some individuals

This is a more neutral and less suggestive alternative.

certain individuals

Highlights that the individuals are known, but not specified.

a handful

This is a more informal way of indicating a small quantity.

a minority

This alternative emphasizes that the group is smaller than the majority.

only a few

This alternative directly states the limited quantity.

a restricted group

Highlights the exclusivity and limited access.

specific individuals

Emphasizes that the individuals are particular and identifiable, even if not named.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain few" in a sentence?

Use "a certain few" to refer to a small, unspecified number of people or things. For example, "A certain few students excelled on the exam."

What are some alternatives to "a certain few"?

Alternatives include "a select few", "a small number", or "some individuals". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "a certain few" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a certain few" is grammatically acceptable, but it can sometimes sound awkward. It's often better to use a more precise or common alternative.

When should I avoid using "a certain few"?

Avoid using "a certain few" when you can be more specific about the quantity or characteristics of the group you are referring to. Using more precise language will improve clarity.