a few contests

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few contests" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of competitions or events, typically in a context related to games, challenges, or contests. Example: "She entered a few contests this year to showcase her talent and gain exposure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

More than a few contests have turned into life and death struggles.

The New York Times

I entered a few contests, and at Equinox I took a course to earn my certification in personal training.

The New York Times

"We've had a few contests in the past and usually I've been on the wrong side of it at the end but not today.

The Guardian - Sport

Tina Thompson and Katie Smith have combined for nearly 14,000 points and close to a thousand W.N.B.A. games, but they have only a few contests left before retiring.

The New York Times - Sports

MICHAEL LUO MONEY | A Financial Rebirth for McCain Mr. McCain, whose campaign nearly ran out of cash and ended the year with only $2.9 million, has recently been experiencing the financial resurrection he had always predicted would happen once he won a few contests.

The New York Times

The Tony Awards, which will be doled out on Sunday, have a few contests that are too close to call.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Riding on the train was not an option for average citizens, aside from a few contest winners.

The New Yorker

Democrats got more votes nationally in House races, and the tax increase for the rich was an issue in very few contests.

The New York Times

Almost lost behind all that sighing was baseball deciding its World Series contestants, and you could probably win a few trivia contests by being able to name them.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite a few memorable contests here and there, theirs was a rivalry that never really was.

The New Yorker

There are still a few local contests to be decided in competitive Council districts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few contests", ensure the context makes it clear what type of contests you are referring to (e.g., sports, academic, talent). This avoids ambiguity and provides clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a few contests" when referring to a large number of events. This can be misleading and dilute the impact of your message. Use more appropriate quantifiers like "many" or "several" for larger quantities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few contests" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and widely used. The determiner "a few" specifies a small quantity of the noun "contests".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few contests" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a small number of competitions. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific type of contests you're referring to and avoid exaggerating the number. Alternatives like "several competitions" or "a couple of competitions" can provide more precise indications of quantity depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several competitions

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

a couple of competitions

Substitutes "a few" with "a couple", suggesting a smaller number, specifically two.

some competitions

Uses "some" instead of "a few", offering a more general indication of quantity.

limited number of contests

Emphasizes the restricted quantity of contests.

a handful of contests

Replaces "a few" with "a handful", suggesting a small and manageable number.

a small number of competitions

Rephrases to explicitly state a small quantity of competitions.

a limited set of competitions

Focuses on the defined and restricted nature of the competitions.

several competitive events

Replaces "contests" with "competitive events", offering a broader term.

a selection of contests

Indicates a choice from a larger pool of contests.

a series of competitions

Suggests a sequence of related competitions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few contests" to indicate that someone participated in a small number of competitions. For example, "She entered "a few contests" to gain experience."

What are some alternatives to "a few contests"?

Alternatives include "several competitions", "a couple of competitions", or "some competitions", depending on the specific number and context.

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

"A few contests" implies a small but positive number, while "few contests" suggests a number that is small and perhaps disappointing. The choice depends on the intended nuance.

What's the difference between "a few contests" and "a number of contests"?

"A few contests" suggests a smaller, more limited quantity than "a number of contests", which can imply a slightly larger or less precisely defined quantity. "A number of contests" is also more formal.