a choice few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a choice few" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small, select group of people or things that are considered special or privileged. Example: "The event was exclusive, inviting only a choice few from the industry to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's a choice few would make willingly.

The New York Times

A choice few tracks are good for the gym – they're upbeat.

Independent

Here is a guide to a choice few sites on travel health.

The New York Times - Travel

A choice few lines, though, can hound you for eternity, dogging your steps wherever you tread.

The Guardian - Music

A "choice few" condos will have views of Giants Stadium and Meadowlands estuaries rather than the city, Ms. Macchi added.

The New York Times

Here are a choice few: Sharents Those annoying adults who tweet their offspring's every utterance and can't go a day without uploading another "adorable" photo.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is a bold color choice few women can pull off.

Huffington Post

A choice very few of us have any say in.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this case, McCallum as South opened one no-trump with a 5-2-4-2 5-2-4-2 5-2-4-2 5-2-4-2 would make.

The New York Times - Arts

The choice is yours, and that's a choice that so few games provide.

Vice

There's a better choice, though few may have heard of it.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a choice few" when you want to emphasize that the selection is deliberate and based on specific criteria. It adds a sense of exclusivity or specialness to the items or individuals being referred to.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "a choice few" in overly casual conversations can sound affected or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a few" or "some" when the context doesn't warrant a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a choice few" functions as a determiner or quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate a small, select group. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe condos with specific views, survivors of a tragedy, and companies willing to sacrifice profit for ethics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a choice few" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates a small, carefully selected group or number. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While it conveys a sense of exclusivity and deliberate selection, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in overly informal situations. Alternatives such as "a select group" or "a privileged few" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A select group

Emphasizes the selected nature of the group.

A privileged few

Highlights the advantageous position of the group.

A handful of

Indicates a small quantity or number.

A limited number

Stresses the restricted quantity.

A small selection

Focuses on the act of selecting a limited amount.

A precious few

Emphasizes the value or importance of the small group.

An exclusive set

Highlights the exclusivity and limited access.

A restricted circle

Suggests a closed and limited group of individuals.

A curated list

Focuses on the careful selection and arrangement.

Elite circle

Implies a group of individuals with superior skills or status.

FAQs

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

You can use "a choice few" to describe a small, carefully selected group. For example, "Only "a choice few" candidates were invited for the final interview round".

What are some alternatives to "a choice few"?

Some alternatives include "a select group", "a privileged few", or simply "a few", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a choice few" or "a select few"?

Both "a choice few" and "a select few" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Choice" emphasizes a deliberate selection, while "select" simply indicates a chosen group.

What is the difference between "a few" and "a choice few"?

"A few" indicates a small number, whereas "a choice few" suggests that the small number has been carefully selected or is particularly noteworthy. The latter implies a higher degree of selectivity.