a few brushes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few brushes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of brushes, typically in the context of art, painting, or grooming. Example: "For this painting, I only need a few brushes to achieve the desired effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I've had a few brushes with bleeders in the years I've been training.

The New York Times

Greg Poirier, Berry Hill's general manager, has had a few brushes with the beyond himself.

The New York Times

Despite a few brushes with malaria, David has been in good health, his parents say.

The Guardian

An ugly courtroom battle wrapped Mr. Lutnick's image in razor wire for months, and a few brushes with market regulators did nothing to blunt those sharp edges.

The New York Times

Melissa Barthelemy, who hoped for a career as a hairdresser, had been born to a teenage mom and spent most of her time in her grandparents' care, dropped out of high school and had a few brushes with the law.

The New York Times - Books

After decades atop local environmentalists' must-save lists and a few brushes with development proposals, the marsh, a city-owned parcel on the island's north shore, got its big break in September.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A few brush strokes with warm distilled water, and she is returned to immodesty once more.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was a mix and you cannot reduce her to a few brush strokes.

The Guardian

In a few brush strokes she captured a couple of the noble qualities of journalism – alcohol and secrecy.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the simplicity of his design, rendered in just a few brush strokes, did not diminish its power.

The Guardian

Marin's view of Deer Isle in Maine is stripped down to a few brush strokes framing the sketched landscape.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few brushes" in your writing, consider the context. If precision is important, specify the exact number (e.g., "two brushes") or use more descriptive terms if the quantity is variable or unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "a few brushes" when referring to a large quantity. This can mislead the reader. If you need to describe a larger quantity of brushes, use a more appropriate term such as "several brushes" or "many brushes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few brushes" functions as a determiner phrase. It modifies a noun (brushes) to indicate a limited quantity. Ludwig AI shows examples where it is used to describe the tools used in art, grooming, or other activities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few brushes" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's used to indicate a small number of brushes in various contexts, including art, grooming, and general descriptions. While not exceptionally common, it's widely understood and appropriate for neutral registers. Alternatives like "several brushes" or "a couple of brushes" can be used for nuance. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and to specify if there are exactly two brushes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several brushes

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

a couple of brushes

Indicates exactly two brushes.

a small number of brushes

Formal and precise way of expressing fewness.

a handful of brushes

Suggests a quantity that can be held in one hand.

some brushes

Less specific, indicating an indefinite quantity greater than one.

a limited number of brushes

Highlights the restriction on the quantity of brushes.

a sparse amount of brushes

Emphasizes the minimal quantity available.

minimal brushes

Directly conveys the idea of very few brushes.

a touch of brushes

Focuses on the gentle or superficial nature of using the brushes.

incidental brushes

Highlights that the brushes are of secondary importance or consequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few brushes" when talking about painting techniques, for example, "The artist used "a few brushes" to create the delicate watercolor effect."

What's a good alternative to "a few brushes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "several brushes", "a couple of brushes", or "some brushes".

Is it correct to say "few brushes" instead of "a few brushes"?

While "few brushes" is grammatically correct, it implies a scarcity or lack of brushes, whereas ""a few brushes"" simply indicates a small number. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

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

"A few brushes" refers to a small number, while "many brushes" indicates a large quantity. Using the correct phrase is important for accurately conveying the number of brushes.