a few drips

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few drips" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of liquid that has fallen or is falling, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "After the rain, there were just a few drips left on the leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

So far the company makes ethanol only a few drips at a time.

MIT Technology Review

"There are a few drips and splatters and an occasional pencil line," he wrote in a review.

The New York Times

Ms. Murray fusses some details, like beveled edges and stapled sides, while leaving a few drips and blotches.

The New York Times - Arts

"My Future in the Sky With Squares," a painting of a large, blunt, meticulously rendered grid with short bars at every intersection and a few drips, is suitably and independently fearsome.

The New York Times - Arts

"It could be a few drips, or it could be a larger amount if you can't find the bathroom in time". Many men notice that certain triggers set off their urge incontinence, such as hearing running water, entering a cold room, rising after sitting, or even just inserting the key in your home's door lock.

Harvard University

There are a few little hints of what's gone before, as when he is swimming in the Ganges and "a few drips splashed into my mouth" — just as, when Jeff and Laura were having sex, "drips fell from her, into his mouth".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

MoMA has a few drip Pollocks from which to choose.

The New York Times - Arts

As with most cold-weather pony breeds, the Exmoor grows a winter coat consisting of a highly insulating woolly underlayer and a topcoat of longer, oily hairs that prevent the undercoat from becoming waterlogged by diverting water down the sides of the animal to fall from just a few drip areas.

Wikipedia

Instead, soak a cotton ball and drip a few drops of plain water, a simple saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear with your head tilted so the opening of the ear is pointing up.

Harvard University

Regarding Greg, I would have to sneak into his ward area, I would have to dip my finger into water to moisten his lips as they were 'glued' shut, then would have to drip a few drops of water onto his tongue just so he could use a straw to get a few sips of water.

Vice

Drip a few drops of water near the seed.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a visual scene, use "a few drips" to create a sense of imperfection or minor disrepair, for instance, "The old faucet had a few drips, staining the porcelain sink."

Common error

Avoid using "a few drips" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can become monotonous. Vary your language with synonyms like "several drops" or "a trickle" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few drips" functions as a quantifier phrase, specifying a small quantity of liquid. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It often acts as an adjective modifying an implied or stated noun, as seen in examples describing leaks or condensation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

23%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few drips" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe a small amount of liquid. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news, media, and academic contexts, serving to add descriptive detail to various scenarios. While alternatives like "several drops" or "a small trickle" exist, understanding the appropriate context ensures effective communication. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several drops

Emphasizes a slightly larger quantity than "a few".

a couple of drips

Indicates a quantity of approximately two.

slight dripping

Emphasizes the action of dripping rather than the quantity.

a small trickle

Suggests a very small, thin flow.

a trickle

A trickle suggests a continuous but small flow of liquid.

some dribbles

Dribbles usually involve a downward flow or leakage, indicating movement from a source.

a light sprinkle

Implies a scattering of very fine droplets.

minor leakage

Focuses on the fact that liquid is escaping unintentionally.

minimal seepage

Highlights the slow escape of small quantity of liquid.

a spot of moisture

Highlights the presence of dampness in a specific area.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few drips" to describe a small amount of liquid falling, such as: "The leaky faucet left "a few drips" in the sink" or "After the rain stopped, there were "a few drips" falling from the leaves".

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

You can use alternatives like "several drops", "a couple of drips", or "a small trickle" depending on the context.

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

While both are grammatically correct, "a few drips" is generally preferred because it implies a small but noticeable amount, whereas "few drips" can suggest a scarcity or near absence. The inclusion of "a" makes the phrase more descriptive and less negative.

What's the difference between "a few drips" and "a drip"?

"A drip" refers to a single instance of liquid falling, while ""a few drips"" indicates multiple instances. For example, "There was a drip from the faucet" versus "There were "a few drips" coming from the leaky pipe".