a few data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few data" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small, but significant amount of information or facts. For example: "After conducting the survey, we had a few data that suggested our product had a positive reception among customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider a few data points*.

The Guardian

A few data sets illustrating the satellite's capability are presented.

Advances in Space Research

Install a TV showing a few data dashboards.

Harvard Business Review

Only a few data are available in the literature on the fatigue behavior of these materials.

International Journal of Fatigue

A few data concern also 5.9 and 6.4 mm Raschig rings.

Chemical Engineering Science

However, typically each computational model has been shown to account for only a few data sets.

Vision Research

So here I'm showing a bunch of data points arranged on a line, and you see that there are a few data points that cluster over here, a few data points that cluster over here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A few data points suffice to identify most customers, even if their names are stripped from records.

MIT Technology Review

Some organizations have D&A capabilities spread across functions, or rely on a few data scientists to provide insights.

Harvard Business Review

Traditional monitoring techniques measure only a few data points, which is insufficient to understand the deformation of the entire tunnel.

Underground Space

Furthermore, just a few data can be identified on the specific topic of wire-spaced fuel bundle cooled by HLM.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few data", ensure the context makes it clear what type of data you are referring to. Be specific in your descriptions to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few data" when you actually have a substantial amount of data. "A few" implies a small quantity; using it inappropriately can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few data" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a limited quantity of information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, indicating its role in quantifying data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few data" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a limited amount of information. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in scientific, news, and business contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to specify the type of data and avoid using it when the quantity is actually substantial. Consider alternatives like "some data" or "limited data" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some data

This alternative is more general and doesn't specify the quantity as precisely as "a few data".

a small amount of data

This alternative is more explicit about the quantity and uses a more formal tone.

limited data

This alternative emphasizes the scarcity of the data rather than just the quantity.

a handful of data

This alternative is less formal and more figurative, suggesting a small, manageable quantity.

a selection of data

This alternative emphasizes that the data has been chosen from a larger set.

sparse data

This alternative focuses on the distribution of the data, implying it's thinly spread.

minimal data

This alternative stresses the idea that the quantity is very small and possibly insufficient.

fragmentary data

This alternative suggests the data is incomplete or in broken pieces.

isolated data points

This alternative highlights that the data is individual values that are not necessarily connected.

selected data

This alternative suggests that the data have been chosen for a specific reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few data" to indicate that you have a small amount of information or evidence. For example: "We analyzed "a few data" points before reaching our conclusion."

What are some alternatives to saying "a few data"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "some data", "limited data", or "a small amount of data".

Is it correct to say "a few data"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a few data" to indicate a small quantity of information. However, be mindful that some may prefer "a small amount of data" as a more formal alternative.

When should I use "a few data" versus "some data"?

"A few data" emphasizes the limited nature of the information, while "some data" is more general. Choose "a few" when you want to highlight that the amount of data is small.