a few coins

USAGE SUMMARY

"a few coins" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a few coins of any type, either physical or imaginary coins. For example: "The boy picked up a few coins from the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few coins appeared, then more.

The New York Times

He was panhandling on Sunday night and carried a cup with a few coins inside.

The New York Times

Sidetic texts include perhaps a half-dozen inscriptions and a few coins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After a delay that featured a digital musical cacophony, the machine spat back a few coins.

The New Yorker

Our driver offered him a few coins but said he didn't want a card.

The Guardian - Travel

Little girls tap on car windows in the hope of getting a few coins.

The Guardian

"One of them came over and dropped a few coins in my case.

The New York Times - Arts

At least here, a few coins can buy a bag of rice.

The Guardian

A few coins have done this, but most have tried to avoid it.

The New York Times - Tech

With just a few coins in his pocket, he said he had planned to steal one.

The New York Times

But they are perfectly polite, even apologising for pleading for a few coins "so that we can eat".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "a few coins". It can imply poverty, generosity, or simply a small transaction.

Common error

Avoid using "a few coins" when you actually mean "some coins" or "several coins". "A few" indicates a smaller, more specific quantity than "some" or "several".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few coins" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a small quantity of coinage. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., "He gave a few coins") or as part of a prepositional phrase (e.g., "with a few coins").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

19%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few coins" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a small, limited quantity of coins. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans diverse contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. It's essential to use "a few" when a limited number is intended, distinguishing it from more general terms like "some". While generally neutral in tone, it might be replaced with more formal alternatives in specific professional writings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a handful of change

Implies a small amount of loose change held in one's hand.

a bit of money

A more general term referring to a small, unspecified sum of money.

some spare change

Refers to small denomination coins that are not needed.

a couple of coins

Specifies a quantity of two coins.

a scattering of coins

Suggests coins spread out loosely.

small change

A collective term for coins of low value.

some loose coins

Refers to coins that are not contained or organized.

a small amount of currency

A more formal way of referring to a few coins.

a meager sum

Emphasizes the small and insufficient nature of the amount of money.

paltry coins

Highlights the insignificance and worthlessness of the coins.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few coins" to describe a small amount of money. For example, "He only had "a few coins" in his pocket" or "She gave the street performer "a few coins".

What are some synonyms for "a few coins"?

Alternatives to "a few coins" include "some spare change", "a handful of change", or simply "small change" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a few coins" may sound informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "a small amount of currency" or "a modest sum" instead.

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

"A few coins" implies a smaller and more specific quantity than "some coins". "Some coins" suggests an unspecified amount, while "a few coins" indicates a small, but definite number.