a few example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few example" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "a few examples"? You can use the corrected phrase when referring to multiple instances or cases that illustrate a point or concept. Example: "To better understand the topic, I will provide a few examples of how this principle applies in real life."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Here are a few example queries.

Stanford University

Their effectiveness is comparatively illustrated on a few example studies.

European Journal of Control

MIB based MD simulations of biomolecules are demonstrated via a few example systems.

Journal of Computational Physics

This novel algorithm is compared to existing algorithms via simulation on a few example systems.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

We present some performance results on this environment for a few example scenarios.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

Image search: query using a few example images provided by the user.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Take a few examples.

The Economist

Those are a few examples.

The New York Times - Sports

Take just a few examples.

Independent

Here are a few examples.

The New York Times

A few examples.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the plural form "examples" after "a few". For instance, say "a few examples" not "a few example".

Common error

Avoid using the singular noun "example" after "a few". Remember that "few" implies more than one, so the plural form is necessary: "a few examples".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few example" is intended to function as a quantifier followed by a noun, aiming to introduce multiple instances to illustrate a point. However, it fails grammatically because "example" should be plural ("examples") when used with "a few". Ludwig AI confirms this error.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few example" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "a few examples". It is intended to introduce multiple instances or illustrations but fails due to the singular "example". Ludwig AI flags this error. Therefore, always use the plural form "examples" after "a few". While the phrase itself lacks a specific register, its correct form is suitable for neutral to formal communication. Remember to avoid this common grammatical error to ensure clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few instances

Replaces "example" with "instances", another word for specific occurrences, with the right grammar.

a couple of examples

Substitutes "few" with "couple", indicating a small number of illustrations, with correct plural form.

several examples

Replaces "a few" with "several", suggesting more than two examples.

some examples

Uses "some" instead of "a few", indicating an unspecified number of illustrations with the correct plural form.

a handful of examples

Emphasizes a small quantity of illustrations.

a small number of examples

Explicitly states that the quantity of illustrations is small with correct plural form.

just a few examples

Adds "just" for emphasis on the limited quantity of illustrations, while using the correct plural form.

a limited number of examples

Highlights the restricted quantity of illustrations using the correct plural form.

for instance

Shifts from a quantity to a general indicator of illustration.

to illustrate

Moves away from specific examples to the act of illustrating something more broadly.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "a few" with the word "example"?

The correct way is to use the plural form, making it "a few examples". The word "few" indicates more than one, requiring the plural form of the noun.

Can I use "a few example" in a sentence?

No, "a few example" is grammatically incorrect. You should always use the plural form, "a few examples".

What are some alternatives to saying "a few examples"?

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

What is the difference between "a few example" and "a few examples"?

"A few example" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. "A few examples" is the correct plural form, indicating more than one illustration or instance.