a few citizens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few citizens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of people who are members of a community or nation. Example: "A few citizens attended the town hall meeting to voice their concerns about the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Rather, the fate of a few citizens, unregarded and often unsavory, lies in the balance.

The New Yorker

Imperial Roman territory extended too widely for more than a few citizens to attend the comitia from distant regions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While waiting, a few citizens founded the Preservation Society of the East End, to safeguard the town from developments that, although legal, seemed to them undesirable.

The New Yorker

Then there's the picture of Charles and Camilla reeling in fright as a few citizens give them a bit of stick.

The Guardian - Music

But there was something a little laid-back, a little slackerish, about its Aztec life style — a few citizens in swimsuits flailing in the jaws of a winged serpent would hardly make the cover of the Post.

The New Yorker

A woman on line helpfully informed a few citizens in her immediate vicinity that last night Governor Cuomo signed an order, prompted by Hurricane Sandy, permitting you to vote by affidavit at any polling station in the state, although, she added, your vote may not be counted for weeks.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The rescue of his death from oblivion took a rare mix of chance, vigilance by a few citizen activists, litigation by the civil liberties union and several months of inquiry by The Times.

The New York Times

Outside of a wealthy few, citizens are forced to make often lengthy treks to overcrowded and understaffed hospitals in urban centers.

TechCrunch

Unless they arrive for a fundraiser, few citizens in California or Texas have any interaction with the presidential campaigns in the fall.

Huffington Post

Just as few patients would want a reluctant brain surgeon, few citizens want a reluctant war leader.

The New York Times

Few citizens cut a wider swath across rock 'n' roll Los Angeles than Kim Fowley, who died Thursday at age 75 after a long battle with cancer.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few citizens", ensure the context clearly defines the community or nation to which they belong to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a few citizens of France".

Common error

Avoid using "a few citizens" when the exact number is known or when a more specific descriptor is appropriate. For example, instead of "a few citizens protested", use "three residents protested" if the exact number is known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few citizens" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it identifies a limited number of individuals belonging to a particular community or nation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few citizens" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that refers to a small number of people within a community. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from various sources. While relatively uncommon, it is appropriately used in news reports, general discussions, and formal documents. When using "a few citizens", it's crucial to ensure that the context clearly defines the community or nation to which they belong. Alternatives such as "several residents" or "a handful of inhabitants" can be considered for nuanced meanings. Overall, this phrase offers a clear and effective way to describe a limited group of individuals within a larger population.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of residents

Emphasizes the limited quantity of people with a slightly more formal tone.

several residents

Replaces "citizens" with a more general term for inhabitants, while keeping the small quantity.

a few individuals

Replaces "citizens" with a more generic term, suitable for various contexts.

a handful of inhabitants

Uses a more informal term for people living in an area, while still indicating a small number.

several community members

Emphasizes the communal aspect of the individuals involved.

a minority of people

Focuses on the limited proportion of people, rather than just the quantity.

a select group of locals

Highlights the chosen or specific nature of the small group within the local population.

some members of the public

Broadens the scope from "citizens" to the general public, implying a subset.

a scattering of residents

Emphasizes the dispersed and small nature of the group.

a sparse few locals

Highlights the limited number and local connection of the people.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few citizens" to describe a small number of people within a specific community or nation. For instance, "A few citizens voiced concerns at the town hall meeting".

What are some alternatives to "a few citizens"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "several residents", "a handful of inhabitants", or "a small number of residents".

Is it appropriate to use "a few citizens" in formal writing?

Yes, "a few citizens" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but more precise language might be preferred if the exact number or proportion is known.

What is the difference between "a few citizens" and "some citizens"?

"A few citizens" implies a smaller number than "some citizens". While "some" suggests an indefinite quantity, "a few" specifies a small, limited number.