a few cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few cases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of specific instances or examples of something. Example: "In a few cases, the results were not as expected, leading to further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tells about a few cases.

The New Yorker

It's just a few cases".

The New Yorker

A few cases?

The New York Times

It might in a few cases.

The New Yorker

In a few cases they do not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only for a few cases are the exact solutions available.

Fluid Flow, Heat and Mass Transfer At Bodies of Different Shapes Numerical Solutions

Only a few cases are still on-going.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

In a few cases, that goal was taken literally.

The Washington Post

Let's look in some more detail at a few cases.

Harvard Business Review

In a few cases, shapes and words appear related.

The New York Times - Books

The official numbers showed only a few cases there.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few cases", ensure the context clearly indicates the larger set from which these cases are drawn. This provides clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a few cases" represent a widespread trend. Clearly differentiate between isolated incidents and common occurrences to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few cases" functions as a determiner + noun combination. It serves to quantify the noun "cases", indicating a small, limited number. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is considered grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few cases" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a small number of instances or examples. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability and suitability for various writing contexts. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it is frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral register. While "a few cases" effectively conveys a limited quantity, remember that overuse might reduce the impact of your writing. Alternatives, such as "several instances" or "a handful of examples", can provide subtle variations in meaning and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several instances

Replaces "few" with "several", indicating a slightly larger, but still limited, quantity.

a handful of examples

Uses a more descriptive and informal term, suggesting a small group of examples.

a limited number of cases

Emphasizes the restriction on the quantity of cases.

isolated incidents

Highlights the separateness and rarity of the occurrences.

occasional situations

Focuses on the situational aspect and infrequency.

certain examples

Highlights specific, but not all, examples are being referenced.

a small selection of cases

Implies a deliberate choice from a larger pool.

a minority of cases

Indicates that cases represent a smaller portion of the whole.

some instances

A more general alternative, lacking specific emphasis on quantity.

a scattering of cases

Suggests the cases are infrequent and distributed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few cases" to indicate that something happened in a small number of instances. For example, "In "a few cases", the experiment yielded unexpected results."

What are some alternatives to "a few cases"?

Alternatives include "several instances", "a handful of examples", or "some instances", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a few cases" or "few cases"?

"A few cases" is generally preferred as it sounds more natural and less negative than "few cases", which can sometimes imply a sense of scarcity or deficiency.

How does the formality of "a few cases" compare to other similar phrases?

"A few cases" is generally considered neutral in formality. Alternatives like "several instances" might be slightly more formal, while "a handful of examples" is more informal.