a few

USAGE SUMMARY

"a few" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small, unspecified number of things (people, objects, etc). For example: I have read a few of the books on the list.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few scares, a few bad words.

The New York Times

A few weeks became a few years.

The New York Times

A few cuts, a few bruises.

The New Yorker

A few.

Yale University

I had a few.

The New York Times

A few disagreed vehemently.

Independent

So, a few points.

The New York Times

Consider a few facts.

The New York Times

Here, a few ultrathins.

The New York Times

"Just a few.

The New York Times

A few quick observations.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few" to indicate a small but non-negligible quantity, implying more than one or two. Avoid using it when precision is required; opt for specific numbers instead.

Common error

In formal contexts, overuse of the term "a few" can seem imprecise. Replace it with more specific quantifiers like "several", "a small number of", or provide an exact quantity when possible to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, modifying nouns to indicate a small but indefinite number. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few" is a versatile determiner used to indicate a small, indefinite quantity. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is appropriate for a range of contexts, from informal conversations to news articles, but should be used with caution in formal writing where precision is paramount. Consider alternatives like "several" or "a small number of" for enhanced clarity in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple

Implies a smaller number, often exactly two.

a small number

A more formal and explicit way of expressing "a few".

several

Indicates more than "a few", suggesting a moderate quantity.

a handful

Emphasizes a small, manageable quantity.

a limited number

Highlights the restricted quantity.

some

A more general term indicating an unspecified quantity, potentially larger than "a few".

not many

Expresses the idea of "a few" from a negative perspective.

a scattering of

Suggests a sparse distribution of items.

just a bit

Indicates a small amount or quantity, often used for uncountable nouns.

a minority

Highlights that the number is less than half of the total amount.

FAQs

How do you use "a few" in a sentence?

You can use "a few" to describe a small quantity of countable items. For example, "I have read "a few books" on the topic".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a few"?

Alternatives to "a few" include "a couple", "several", or "some". The best choice depends on the context and the degree of quantity you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a few of the"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For example, "A few of the students understood the lesson" is a correct and commonly used construction.

What's the difference between "few" and "a few"?

"Few" implies a small number, often with a negative connotation, suggesting not enough. "A few" also indicates a small number, but with a more positive or neutral connotation, suggesting at least some are present.