a few communications

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few communications" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of messages or exchanges of information, typically in a formal or professional context. Example: "After reviewing a few communications from the client, we decided to adjust our proposal accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There are a few communications concerning the relaxation temperature corresponding to the glass transition temperature of chitosan.

Polymer

FEMA, he said, had no helicopters and only a few communications trucks.

The New York Times

During a session with a dozen foreign reporters that lasted nearly two hours, General Musharraf said that the only Americans who had crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan in pursuit of fleeing fighters from Al Qaeda or the Taliban have been a few communications experts.

The New York Times

I asked a few communications industry professionals how they thought Tinder was going to back its way out of this 30 tweet tirade.

TechCrunch

Over the course of the last couple of days, Kate's made a few communications (through others) to explain her actions, but the waters are just getting muddier.

Vice

Then, in my mid-years, personal computers came along (I know it's hard to fathom, but I did my early writing as a newspaper reporter on a clattering mechanical contraption called a typewriter) and soon, what seemed like everyone in the land had a computer in their home, with a few communications moving through what was called electronic mail.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For example, as a writer and head of a physics department, I get quite a few unsolicited communications about new theories of physics, often involving Einstein having been wrong, or the Higgs boson actually being a macaroon or something.

The Guardian

Just head to the company's online job listings, where the company declares that it is "experimenting with a few wireless communications systems," adding that "we are building a small team of top-notch logic designers and analog designers aimed at nothing less than making the entire world's information accessible from anywhere for free".

Forbes

Meanwhile, over the last year, Avaya has made a number of acquisitions of late, and with quite a few unified communications products, video conferencing among them, RadVision would be a nice pick-up — if they can be convinced it's worth $200 million.

TechCrunch

A magnification of a few casual communications among participants at an international conference.

Huffington Post

A few secret communications devices here, a little intel and some overdue humanitarian aid there and the White House could claim that it is doing all it can under the circumstances, all the while doing everything possible behind the scenes to argue against its allies in the Arab League and Turkey from taking matters into their own hands.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few communications" when you want to indicate a small, limited number of messages or exchanges, typically in professional settings. It's a neutral and clear way to convey the quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few communications" when you can be more precise. If you know the exact number, stating it directly (e.g., "three communications") enhances clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few communications" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "communications". It specifies the quantity of communications being referred to. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few communications" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a small number of messages or exchanges. According to Ludwig AI, its use is acceptable and appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business settings. It offers a clear and neutral way to specify quantity. While versatile, writers should strive for precision when possible, opting for exact numbers if known. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and TechCrunch underscores its reliability and acceptance in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some communications

Less specific about the quantity.

several communications

Implies a slightly larger quantity than "a few", while maintaining a similar level of formality.

a couple of communications

Indicates a quantity of precisely two.

a small number of communications

More formal and explicit about the limited quantity.

a handful of communications

Slightly more informal, suggesting a manageable quantity.

limited correspondence

Focuses on written communication specifically and suggests a restricted amount.

few lines of communication

Highlights the channels or methods of communication being limited.

infrequent dialogues

Highlights the sporadic nature of the communication.

occasional exchanges

Emphasizes the intermittent nature of the interactions.

sporadic contact

Broadens the scope beyond formal communications to include any form of contact.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few communications" to indicate a small number of messages or exchanges, like in: "We received "a few communications" from clients this week regarding the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "a few communications"?

Alternatives include "several communications", "a small number of communications", or "limited correspondence", depending on the context.

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

"A few communications" suggests a small but positive number, whereas "few communications" implies a scarcity or near absence. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a few communications" instead of "some communications"?

"A few communications" indicates a more limited quantity than "some communications". Use "a few" when the exact small number is relevant or when emphasizing the limited nature of the exchanges.