a few artists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few artists" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of artists in a general context. Example: "At the gallery, a few artists showcased their latest works, attracting a diverse audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We had a few artists on board.

The Washington Post

So are a few artists, including Childe Hassam.

The New York Times

Now's the time to check out a few artists.

Independent

And there's work by a few artists we rarely see.

The New York Times - Arts

For a few artists emulation says it all.

The New York Times - Arts

A few artists walked right into loaded terrain.

The New York Times - Arts

Apart from a few artists, no Han Chinese were attracted to Tibet.

The Changing Landscape of China’s Consumerism

A few artists revisit and revise primitivist myths of Africa.

The New York Times - Arts

And there are a few artists that have their own sound.

Independent

But there are a few artists who ventured into abstraction with Modernist spirit.

The New York Times - Arts

There were only a few artists throughout Yemen and we formed a network to hold exhibitions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few artists", ensure the context clarifies the overall number of artists in question. Is it few relative to many or few in absolute terms? This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a few artists" when referring to a substantial portion of a group. If the number is closer to half, use "many artists" or "several artists" to more accurately reflect the proportion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few artists" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. The Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few artists" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote a small number of artists. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clarifies the overall number and to avoid overstating the 'few'. Alternatives like "several artists" or "a handful of artists" may be more appropriate depending on the specific quantity you want to convey. Finally, keep in mind that authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several artists

Emphasizes a slightly larger, but still limited, number of artists.

a handful of artists

Highlights the small and easily manageable quantity of artists.

some artists

Indicates an unspecified, but limited, number of artists.

a small group of artists

Focuses on the collective aspect of the artists, suggesting a cohesive unit.

a limited number of artists

Emphasizes the restricted quantity of artists involved.

certain artists

Highlights that the artists are specific but not named

a couple of artists

Specifically denotes exactly two artists.

a select few artists

Stresses the chosen or privileged nature of the artists.

a minority of artists

Emphasizes the small proportion of artists compared to a larger group.

not many artists

Uses negation to indicate a low quantity of artists.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few artists" to indicate that only a small number of artists are involved in something. For example, "A few artists decided to collaborate on the project".

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

You can use alternatives like "several artists", "some artists", or "a handful of artists" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "few artists" or "a few artists"?

While both are grammatically correct, "a few artists" usually implies a small number that is still considered positive or sufficient. "Few artists" can sound more negative, suggesting a smaller number than desired.

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

"A few artists" indicates a small quantity, while "many artists" suggests a large quantity. The specific number implied by each can depend on the context.