a few debates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few debates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of discussions or arguments on a particular topic. Example: "The conference featured a few debates on climate change policies that sparked lively discussions among the attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

MATTATHIAS SCHWARTZ: I witnessed a few debates between people who work in finance and the protesters in the park.

The New Yorker

A few debates between the candidates have been lined up, which Mr Letwin expects to be "lively affairs".

The Economist

When we last looked at how the Republican candidates for president were faring with the facts, there had been just a few debates.

The New York Times

I've been privy to and present for more than a few debates over which types of extramarital dalliances are forgivable, if any, and which not.

The New York Times

All of these achievements seem to end quite a few debates, and but where would the corner bar and sports radio be without them?

The New York Times

Wouldn't it be better to have just a few debates later on, as Lincoln and Douglas did in the late summer of 1858 This sort of hooey is par for the course in political campaigns, of course.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Surely at least a few debate-and-football watchers will have a third screen handy for reacting to both events.

The New York Times

On leaving the studio he consulted a friend on his performance, confident of having scored a few debating points.

The Guardian - Opinion

At one point, a few debated, only half-ironically, whether a new bank in a former Dunkin Donuts nearby was philosophically akin to the French reactionaries' construction of the Sacré Coeur basilica on the site of the Paris Commune's insurrection in 1870.

The New York Times

Still, they will probably share a few debate stages with Clinton and Sanders and could pull off a surprise or two.

Los Angeles Times

That breaks from a tendency in the last few debates to focus on the leading candidates, Mr. Romney, Mr. Perry and Mrs. Bachmann.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few debates" to indicate a small, non-specific number of debates, suggesting more than one but not many. This phrasing is suitable when the exact number isn't important, but the limited quantity is.

Common error

Avoid omitting the article "a" when you mean to indicate a small but positive quantity. "Few debates" (without "a") suggests almost no debates took place and carries a negative connotation, while "a few debates" indicates that some debates occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few debates" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "debates". Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. It identifies a limited quantity of debates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few debates" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a small number of discussions or arguments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media where discussions and arguments are frequently reported. The phrase is neutral in tone, making it appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Remembering to include the article "a" is crucial to avoid implying a near absence of debates, as omitting it would alter the meaning significantly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of debates

Replaces "few" with "small number", providing a more direct description of the quantity.

some arguments

Replaces "few" with "some", indicating an unspecified but small number of arguments.

several discussions

Uses "several" instead of "a few", suggesting slightly more than just a couple of discussions.

a handful of arguments

Emphasizes the small number of arguments by using the term "handful".

a limited number of discussions

More formal and explicitly states that the number of discussions is restricted.

a couple of discussions

Specifies the quantity as "a couple", implying exactly two discussions.

limited debates

Shortens the phrase while retaining the core idea of debates being restricted.

occasional arguments

Highlights the sporadic nature of the arguments.

infrequent discussions

Emphasizes the lack of frequency in the discussions.

a scattering of debates

Implies that the debates are not only few but also spread out or isolated.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few debates" to indicate that there were some discussions or arguments, but not many. For example, "The candidates participated in "a few debates" before the election".

What are some alternatives to "a few debates"?

Alternatives include "some arguments", "several discussions", or "a small number of debates". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "few debates" and "a few debates"?

"Few debates" implies that there were hardly any debates, and the lack of debates is significant. "A few debates" suggests that there were some debates, although not many. The addition of "a" changes the connotation from negative to neutral or slightly positive.

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

Yes, "a few debates" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a common and generally neutral phrase that doesn't carry any specific register restrictions.