a few authorities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few authorities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of people or organizations that have expertise or power in a particular area. Example: "According to a few authorities, the new policy will have significant impacts on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A reference to a few authorities upon this point may not be inappropriate.

Cornell University

There are ways to manage a stressful encounter without dissolving a friendship between two children, a few authorities say.

The New York Times - Health

Since certain members of the administration can't understand how a professional judgment could differ from popular acclaim, I am having to get the opinions of a few authorities to present to the administration.

Columbia University

Vaizey says he has not intervened because a few authorities have managed to reverse proposals for widespread cuts after a judicial finding against them; therefore, he airily asserts, campaigning works.

The Guardian - Books

Unquestionably, quite a few authorities agree with the less restrictive view, including a batch of dictionaries and grammarians like Patricia T. O'Conner and Stewart Kellerman, a husband-and-wife team that writes a blog called grammarphobia.com.

The New York Times

But after talking with a few authorities on the subject, we at least have a few hints.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Ptyonoprogne is closely related to the larger swallow genus Hirundo into which it is often subsumed, but a DNA analysis showed that an enlarged Hirundo genus should logically contain all the mud-builder genera, including the Delichon house martins, a practice which few authorities follow.

Wikipedia

But some rural roads are through roads or modern bypasses and if there were a blanket 50mph limit few authorities would bother raising the limit to 60mph where it is safe to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

Draft boundaries were used in a few local authorities where final versions did not become available.

Stanford University

After a few minutes, authorities ushered everyone out the back door.

The Washington Post

Contacted by Speed read, Birbalsingh said: "We are currently looking at a few local authorities with regard to our school.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few authorities", ensure that the context clearly indicates why these authorities are relevant and credible. Briefly mentioning their credentials or field of expertise can add weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a few authorities" represent a widespread consensus or definitive conclusion. Always acknowledge the potential for differing opinions and provide context for their expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few authorities" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "authorities". It identifies a limited and unspecified number of individuals or sources recognized as experts or having power in a particular field. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few authorities" is a grammatically sound phrase used to cite a limited number of experts. As Ludwig AI validates, it is suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While not extremely common, its usage is appropriate when you need to support a claim with expert opinions without implying widespread agreement. When using this phrase, make sure to provide context about the authorities' credentials to bolster credibility and avoid overstating their influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several experts

Replaces "authorities" with a more generic term for knowledgeable individuals.

some specialists

Similar to "several experts", focusing on specialized knowledge.

a handful of experts

Emphasizes the small number of experts being referenced.

a select few authorities

Highlights the exclusivity or high standing of the authorities.

a limited number of experts

Formally specifies the small quantity of experts.

certain leading figures

Emphasizes the prominence and influence of the individuals.

a small group of specialists

Emphasizes the collective aspect of a small group of experts.

a few recognized experts

Highlights the acknowledgement and reputation of the experts.

a minority of scholars

Focuses on the smaller number of academics who hold a particular view.

a couple of prominent figures

Uses more casual language to indicate two influential individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few authorities" to introduce opinions or findings from a limited number of experts. For example, "According to "a few authorities", this approach is highly effective".

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

Some alternatives include "several experts", "some specialists", or "a handful of experts". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "a few authorities" or "some authorities"?

"A few authorities" emphasizes a smaller number compared to "some authorities". Use "a few" when you want to highlight the limited scope of the expert opinions.

When is it appropriate to cite "a few authorities" in my writing?

It's appropriate to cite "a few authorities" when you want to support your argument with expert opinions, but the consensus isn't necessarily universal or widely established. Make sure that you are still backing your claims with strong evidence.