a few directors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few directors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of directors in a specific context, such as in a meeting or organization. Example: "During the meeting, a few directors expressed their concerns about the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Or a few directors.

Independent

I remember a few directors who tried to stampede my impulses.

The New York Times

Elsewhere, a few directors seem to have lost their jobs for failing to be sufficiently vigilant.

The New York Times

"There are only a few directors who have a language for nurturing nuances of performance with any real skill.

The Guardian - Film

I'm talking about Goldwyn, the Warners, Zanuck, Joe Schenck, Selznick, Eddie Mannix (from MGM), a few directors.

The New York Times

Only a few directors have quit after being implicated in the cover-up, including the former chairman and a former executive vice president.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

For example, the story was written to keep the audience engaged, using a few director's tricks.

The New York Times - Tech

But even before he had directed a single film that attracted a large audience or substantial acclaim Coppola made the movie business seem wide open in a way few directors had since the early silents.

The New Yorker

In 1997, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of "The Godfather," Michael Sragow wrote of Coppola, [He] made the movie business seem wide open in a way few directors had since the early silents.

The New Yorker

It's a lesson that few directors have managed to master.

The New Yorker

The tenderness displayed here mixes with hilarity in a way very few directors could even begin to achieve.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in close proximity; vary your language with alternatives like "several directors" or "some directors" for better readability.

Common error

Be careful not to use "a few directors" when you actually mean only two. "A couple of directors" is more appropriate when referring to exactly two people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few directors" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a small, indefinite quantity of directors, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few directors" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a small, indefinite number of individuals in directorial roles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "a small number of directors" may be preferred. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding whether you are referring to a specific subset or simply indicating a limited quantity. Although the phrase is quite frequent, it's also helpful to use synonyms or related terms such as several directors or some directors to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several directors

Indicates more than two but not many directors, similar to "a few" but potentially implying a slightly larger number.

some directors

A general term for an unspecified small number of directors.

only a few directors

Highlights the scarcity or limited availability of directors.

a small number of directors

More formal way of expressing "a few directors", emphasizing the limited quantity.

not many directors

Focuses on the lack of a large quantity of directors.

a handful of directors

Implies a very small number, easily counted, offering a more descriptive image.

a couple of directors

Specifically refers to two directors, offering a more precise quantity than "a few".

a limited number of directors

Stresses the restriction or scarcity of directors involved.

a select few directors

Emphasizes the chosen or exclusive nature of the directors.

certain directors

Highlights specific directors from a larger group, rather than just a quantity.

FAQs

How do I use "a few directors" in a sentence?

You can use "a few directors" to refer to a small, indefinite number of individuals in a directorial role. For example, "A few directors have witnessed that temper up close."

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

You can use alternatives like "several directors", "some directors", or "a small number of directors" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a few directors" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, for added precision, consider using "a small number of directors".

How does "a few directors" differ from "many directors"?

"A few directors" indicates a small, limited quantity, whereas "many directors" implies a large, unspecified number. The distinction is in the scale of quantity being referenced.