a few children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a few children' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small number of children, usually 3-5. Example sentence: A few children were playing in the park when it started to rain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few children.

The New York Times

But slowly a few children filtered in.

The New York Times

Mainly couples and small groups, with a few children.

The New York Times

The passengers — mostly adults, but a few children — were emaciated.

The New Yorker

There were only a few children on stoops.

The New Yorker

A few children interrupted their play to stare at us.

The New Yorker

A few children need more than peer pressure, though.

The New York Times

I've eaten quite a few children over the centuries.

The New Yorker

A few children squealed as the hour got late.

The New York Times - Food

The demonstrators included several retirees and a few children.

The New York Times

Just meeting a few children should make that obvious enough.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few children", consider the context to ensure it accurately represents the number you intend to convey. For instance, if you mean exactly two, "a couple of children" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a few children" when referring to a large group. This can mislead readers and undermine the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few children" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "children". Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct. It specifies a small, indefinite quantity of children.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few children" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a small number of children. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted and used in diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, it serves the function of quantifying a group without specifying an exact number. While alternatives like "some children" or "a couple of children" exist, the key is to ensure the chosen phrase accurately reflects the intended quantity to avoid miscommunication. The phrase presents no common grammatical errors, though being mindful of intended scale is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some children

Indicates an unspecified but small number of children, similar in meaning but slightly less precise.

a couple of children

Specifically suggests two children, whereas the original phrase implies a slightly larger, indefinite small quantity.

several children

Refers to more than a few, but still a relatively small and indefinite number.

a handful of children

Implies a small, manageable number, often suggesting a group that can be easily controlled or observed.

a small group of children

More explicitly describes a group dynamic, highlighting the collective aspect.

a minority of children

Emphasizes that the number of children is smaller than the majority within a larger context.

certain children

Highlights specific children among a larger population, without specifying the exact number.

a scattering of children

Conveys the idea that children are spread out over a larger area.

a number of children

Refers to more than a few and has a nuance of importance, without being specific.

individual children

More explicitly points out the children as individuals, instead of a part of a group.

FAQs

How do I use "a few children" in a sentence?

You can use "a few children" to indicate a small, indefinite number of children. For example, "A few children were playing in the park."

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

While both indicate a small number, "a few children" is generally understood to be a smaller quantity than "some children". The distinction is subtle and context-dependent.

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

Depending on the specific meaning you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "a couple of children", "several children", or "a handful of children".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a few children"?

The phrase "a few children" is generally correct, but it would be incorrect if you intended to describe a much larger group of children. In that case, you should use "many children".