a few examples

USAGE SUMMARY

'a few examples' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small number of things that are meant to illustrate a point or serve as an example. For example, "I will provide a few examples of how the product can be used to demonstrate its versatility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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 follow.

The New York Times - Travel

A few examples suffice.

The New York Times

Mr. Shah, however, offered a few examples.

The New York Times

A few examples are given below.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those are just a few examples.

The New York Times

These are only a few examples.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For now, here are a few examples.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few examples", ensure that the examples are relevant and clearly support the point you are making. Don't include too many examples, as it could dilute your message.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "a few examples". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement. Consider using synonyms like "for instance" or "to illustrate" to provide a more varied presentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few examples" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to provide specific instances to support a claim or clarify a point. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is perfectly acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

28%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few examples" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a limited number of instances to clarify or support a point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to use it judiciously and vary your sentence structure to avoid monotony. Consider alternatives like "some examples" or "for instance" for stylistic variation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a few examples" to enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a few examples

Adds "just" to emphasize the limited number of examples being provided.

some examples

Replaces "few" with "some", indicating a non-specific quantity of examples.

a small number of examples

More formally specifies that the examples are limited in quantity.

several examples

Uses "several" to suggest more than just a few, but still a limited number of examples.

a handful of examples

Uses "handful" to indicate a small, manageable number of examples.

a couple of examples

Replaces "few" with "couple", specifying two examples.

as an illustration

Uses "illustration" instead of "example", providing a slightly more formal tone.

to illustrate, consider

Shifts from explicitly mentioning examples to directly introducing them.

take for example

Similar to "for instance", but includes a verb.

for instance

Introduces an example without directly referring to multiple examples.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few examples" to introduce a limited number of instances that support a statement or illustrate a point. For example, "There are "a few examples" that clearly demonstrate this trend."

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

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

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

While both are grammatically correct, ""a few examples"" is generally preferred as it sounds more natural and less critical. "Few examples" can sometimes imply that there are not enough examples.

How can I effectively introduce examples in my writing?

Instead of always relying on ""a few examples"", try using phrases like "for instance", "to illustrate", or providing specific case studies to support your points.