a few balls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few balls" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of balls, typically in a context involving sports, games, or physical objects. Example: "During the game, the players were given a few balls to practice their skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He caught a few balls.

The New York Times

"I just got a few balls up.

The New York Times - Sports

Clumsily, I scuffed a few balls away.

The Guardian - Travel

"But we did hit a few balls into the shift.

The New York Times - Sports

A few balls, like the Regenbogen, gently push the boundaries.

The New York Times - Travel

He looked shaky at others, wobbling a few balls.

The New York Times - Sports

"A few balls didn't fall our way but we can't be too down.

Independent

"I'll grab something quick to eat, hit a few balls and get out there.

Independent

We've had a few balls in between, not many, and we've communicated well".

The New York Times

More than a few balls reached the stands this time, which is why regulars are regulars.

The New York Times - Sports

He left a few balls up, and the big guys didn't miss".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few balls", ensure the context clearly indicates what kind of balls you are referring to (e.g., baseballs, tennis balls, snooker balls) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few balls" in situations where the type of ball is not immediately obvious, as this can lead to confusion. Always provide sufficient context or specify the type of ball being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few balls" functions as a determiner phrase specifying an indefinite but small quantity of the noun "balls". It modifies the noun, indicating the amount being referred to. As shown in Ludwig AI, it’s generally used to describe scenarios involving games, sports, or physical activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few balls" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small number of spherical objects, particularly in contexts related to sports and recreation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various writing scenarios. While versatile, it's important to provide sufficient context to clarify the type of ball being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""several balls"" or ""a couple of balls"" can be used for slight variations in meaning. The phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it appropriate for diverse audiences and writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several balls

This alternative uses a more general quantifier, implying more than just "a few" but still a limited quantity.

a couple of balls

This alternative is very close in meaning, specifying a quantity of two, but is still considered a small number.

some balls

This alternative is a more general term indicating an unspecified but limited quantity of balls.

two or three balls

This alternative is more specific about the quantity, giving a numerical range.

a small number of balls

This phrase is more explicit and formal, emphasizing the limited quantity of balls.

a handful of balls

This alternative implies a quantity that can be held in one hand, suggesting a small and manageable amount.

a limited number of balls

This phrase stresses the restriction on the quantity of balls available.

minimal balls

This phrase emphasizes the idea that only the fewest possible balls are present.

a scattering of balls

This alternative suggests the balls are dispersed or spread out, rather than being a collected group.

a trace of balls

This alternative suggests only the slightest presence of balls, almost negligible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few balls" to refer to a small quantity of balls in various sports or recreational activities. For example, "He caught "a few balls" during practice" or "Let's go outside and throw "a few balls" around".

What are some alternatives to "a few balls"?

Some alternatives to "a few balls" include "several balls", "a couple of balls", or "some balls" depending on the desired level of specificity.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a few balls"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "A few" is a quantifier that indicates a small number of countable nouns, and "balls" is the plural form of "ball".

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

"A few balls" implies a smaller quantity than "some balls". While both indicate an indefinite quantity, "a few" suggests a more limited amount.