a few details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few details" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small number of specific pieces of information or facts about a subject. Example: "Before we finalize the project, I need to discuss a few details with you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hunt essentially approved the bid, bar a few details, on 30 June.

The Guardian

Indeed, take away a few details and 660 would be a blank modern box of the type now so reviled.

The New York Times

The CIA director revealed only a few details about the 21-year-old woman, a secretary among spies.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet The CIA director revealed only a few details about the 21-year-old woman, a secretary among spies.

The New Yorker

To read: The Washington Post's Ian Shapira on a woman who only now, decades after her death, is beginning to get her due: The CIA director revealed only a few details about the 21-year-old woman, a secretary among spies.

The New Yorker

Prosecutors have said that Agent Sidaros reviewed a summary of earlier interrogations by Nigerian officials, but they said he was told only a few details about the Dec. 31 intelligence interrogation — that it had occurred, was conducted in English and had lasted about three hours.

The New York Times

A few details have emerged at MIX11 regarding Kinect for Windows—"few" being the operative word.

TechCrunch

Since his arrest in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Feb. 7, 1995, and prompt extradition to the United States, a few details have emerged about Mr. Yousef, who is 28.

The New York Times

Now, Windows watcher Paul Thurrott has provided a few details on the Surface Pro 5, which sounds like it'll be an iterative update of the flagship Windows tablet hybrid.

TechCrunch

While promoting his upcoming "The Big Year" alongside Jack Black and Steve Martin, Owen Wilson let a few details on the much-anticipated "Zoolander 2".

Huffington Post

Despite its long history of use for research and industry, sexual development under laboratory conditions was only recently achieved [ 28] and only a few details on the mechanism and regulation of mating in T. reesei are available so far [ 29].

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few details", ensure that the context provides a clear indication of what those details are or why they are significant. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few details" to introduce critical or extensive information. The phrase suggests a limited scope, so using it to preface significant content can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few details" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a small but definite number of specific pieces of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and broadly applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few details" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to refer to a small number of specific pieces of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific writing. While it is versatile, it’s important to ensure that the context clarifies what these details are and to avoid using it when referring to extensive or highly significant information. Alternatives like "some particulars" or "certain elements" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some particulars

Focuses more on specific items of information.

several specifics

Highlights the concrete and precise aspects.

certain elements

Emphasizes particular components or aspects.

limited information

Stresses the restricted quantity of data.

select aspects

Implies a deliberate choice of which details are relevant.

minor points

Suggests the details are not of major importance.

brief outline

Implies a summary that includes few details.

key features

Highlights the most important details.

basic facts

Focuses on the fundamental and essential details.

relevant aspects

Highlights only the details that are pertinent to a specific topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few details" to indicate that only a small number of specific pieces of information are available or necessary. For example: "The report provided "a few details" about the incident".

What are some alternatives to "a few details"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "some particulars", "several specifics", or "certain elements".

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

"A few details" implies that there are some details, whereas "few details" suggests there are very few, almost none. The choice depends on the actual quantity you are describing.

What's the difference between "a few details" and "some details"?

"A few details" generally implies a smaller quantity than "some details". Both indicate a limited number, but "some" can suggest a slightly larger amount than "a few".