a few demonstrations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few demonstrations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small number of examples or presentations of a concept, idea, or product. Example: "During the workshop, we will have a few demonstrations to illustrate the new software features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"And so we organized a few demonstrations to try to change that".

The New Yorker

I could not resist the temptation of taking part in a few demonstrations to demand political reforms.

The Guardian

Beyond staging a walkout in Parliament and a few demonstrations, opposition parties have done little to protest the election.

The New York Times

The Swami gave a few demonstrations; among them how to defend oneself when attacked by a barfly with a broken bottle.

The New Yorker

Iraqis consistently complain about the fuel shortages and frequent blackouts, and a few demonstrations have taken place since the gasoline crisis began about six weeks ago.

The New York Times

After a few demonstrations, children appeared to get the general idea of a game that required two "blockers," both holding hands with the targeted player and each other (hence the triangle), to keep the target away from "it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We don't just need a few demonstration projects," Ms. Wang said.

The New York Times - Science

But after a few demonstration projects in each community, the only thing that needs to be delivered is the how-to information.

The New York Times

Start writing!' " Mr. Yazbek submitted his two slow-selling CD's as audition material and a few demonstration songs written for the show.

The New York Times

Still, it was fun to park at a Total gas station outside Berlin one of a few demonstration hydrogen-car filling stations in Europe, with several others scattered around the world and fill the sleek machine with liquid hydrogen.

MIT Technology Review

Jens Moberg, a former Microsoft executive who is the chief executive of Better Place Denmark, acknowledges the challenges and concedes that, aside from a few demonstration sites, little infrastructure has been put in place so far.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events, use "a few demonstrations" to indicate a limited scale of activity, providing context for the scope of the events discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "a few demonstrations" when the actual number is significantly higher, as it can mislead readers about the extent of the activity. Opt for terms like "several" or "many" to accurately reflect a larger scale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few demonstrations" acts as a determiner phrase functioning as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate quantity. Ludwig confirms its validity, illustrating it's used to specify a limited number of public gatherings or displays.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few demonstrations" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a limited quantity of demonstrations across diverse contexts, as validated by Ludwig. It's commonly found in news reporting and scientific discussions, indicating its neutrality and broad applicability. Remember to consider the actual number of demonstrations to maintain accuracy. Consider alternatives like "several demonstrations" or "some demonstrations" when a more general term is needed. Overall, understanding the nuances of this phrase can enhance precision and clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of demonstrations

More formal and emphasizes the limited quantity.

several demonstrations

Emphasizes a slightly larger, but still limited, number of demonstrations.

a couple of demonstrations

Specifically indicates two demonstrations.

some demonstrations

A more general term that suggests an unspecified but small number of demonstrations.

a handful of demonstrations

Implies the demonstrations are easily manageable or few enough to count on one hand.

limited demonstrations

Focuses on the restriction or scarcity of demonstrations.

occasional demonstrations

Suggests the demonstrations happen infrequently.

sporadic demonstrations

Indicates that the demonstrations are scattered and irregular.

a sprinkling of demonstrations

Evokes an image of demonstrations being sparsely distributed.

a scant few demonstrations

Emphasizes the lack or bare minimum number of demonstrations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few demonstrations" to describe a small number of public gatherings or displays. For example, "After "a few days" of demonstrations, the government responded with new policies."

What can I say instead of "a few demonstrations"?

You can use alternatives like "several demonstrations", "a couple of demonstrations", or "some demonstrations" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "few demonstrations" instead of "a few demonstrations"?

"Few demonstrations" implies almost no demonstrations occurred, while "a few demonstrations" suggests there were some, but not many. The choice depends on the actual number and the intended emphasis.

What is the difference between "a few demonstrations" and "many demonstrations"?

"A few demonstrations" indicates a small, limited number, whereas "many demonstrations" suggests a large, substantial number. The distinction lies in the scale and impact of the events.