a few applicants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few applicants" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of individuals who have applied for a position or opportunity. Example: "After reviewing the resumes, we found that there were a few applicants who met our criteria."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In the reviewed applications, only a few applicants carried out an exposure assessment for the respective GMP (Table 5).

Environmental Sciences Europe

The way things are going, there might be room for a few applicants.

The Guardian - Music

We expected to get a few applicants but we didn't anticipate receiving quite the number we did – more than 300.

The Guardian

Once can assume that at least a few applicants hope to use their MBA as a springboard towards a position they expect to feel more passion about.

The Economist

In their cover letters, only a few applicants showed signs of noticing those clues, and the ones who did were called for interviews.

The New York Times

In fact, as the interviewing progressed, a few applicants did do this, and I still remember their stories.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

According to Mokades, one prime difference was in the quality of a school's careers advice and contacts with recruiters, which could explain why some schools with strong A-level results produced few applicants.

The Guardian

The problem is that applications and endowments may be skyrocketing at "hot" universities like Brown and Duke, but Chicago is contending with few applicants, a relatively high dropout and transfer rate and a crumbling physical infrastructure crying out for big expenditures.

The New York Times

Establishing a personal connection with the decision maker at the company you want to work for is a quick win, yet few applicants do it.

The Guardian

Too many scandals, too few applicants, a lifestyle that appears, to the modern world, to be repressed, outmoded, unlikely to be a good choice for many good men who might otherwise make great priests.

Huffington Post

I was eventually admitted to Yale, and I later had an opportunity that very few applicants ever have: I got to find out why I had been wait-listed.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few applicants", ensure the context makes it clear what they are applying for. For clarity, specify the position, program, or opportunity they seek.

Common error

Avoid using "a few applicants" when you actually mean a significant number. "A few" indicates a small quantity, so be precise in your estimation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few applicants" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "applicants". It specifies a small, indefinite quantity of people who have applied for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few applicants" is a grammatically correct and usable way to indicate a small number of individuals applying for a position or opportunity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is common in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what the applicants are applying for and avoid misinterpreting "a few" as "many". Alternatives such as "several candidates" or "a handful of applicants" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only a few applicants

Adds emphasis on the limited quantity.

several candidates

Replaces "applicants" with "candidates", implying those being considered for a position.

a handful of applicants

Uses "handful" to emphasize the small number of applicants.

some applicants

A more general term, less specific about the number than "a few".

a small number of applicants

More formal and explicit about the quantity.

a limited number of applicants

Highlights that the number is restricted or not large.

a couple of applicants

Indicates a very small number, specifically two.

a minority of applicants

Emphasizes that the group is smaller than the majority.

certain applicants

Focuses on specific applicants without quantifying them.

a select few applicants

Emphasizes exclusivity or that only the best are considered.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few applicants" to indicate a small number of people who have applied for something. For example: "A few applicants were interviewed for the position."

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

"A few applicants" suggests a smaller number than "several applicants". "Several" implies more than a couple, while "a few" is a smaller quantity.

What can I say instead of "a few applicants"?

Alternatives include "some applicants", "a handful of applicants", or "a small number of applicants", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a few applicants" in formal writing?

Yes, "a few applicants" is appropriate for formal writing, as it's a standard and grammatically correct phrase. However, for greater precision, you might consider "a small number of applicants".