a few faces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few faces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of people or expressions, often in a context where you are discussing appearances or reactions. Example: "At the event, I recognized a few faces from my college days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Then they typically content themselves with writing checks and changing a few faces at the top.

The New York Times

Prince "thumbed through it quickly, made a few faces, handed it back, and walked away".

The New Yorker

A few faces peaked out from an doorway in the distance, but no weapon was discernible.

The New York Times

Most people on the streets appeared relieved, even bemused, despite dazed looks on more than a few faces.

The New Yorker

She was able to pick out a few faces of boys whom she remembered seeing at the party, but she could identify none of them as her attacker.

The New Yorker

Five lots further, Basquiat's "Danny Rosen" could have run into difficulty with its busy mix of a few faces and inscriptions in black letters.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

5 p.m.8) NORDIC THAW Landed a few face plants?

The New York Times - Travel

Nearly all had bonds set at $1 million each, although a few facing lesser charges were given lower amounts.

The New York Times

How best to communicate the various environmental crises – climate change, loss of biodiversity and habitats, resource depletion, watercourse contamination, to name but a few – facing us today?

The Guardian

Now a Kabbalah devotee, he's had a few face-to-face encounters with the Queen of Pop, too, having auditioned for her 1993 Girlie Show Tour.

Huffington Post

"I've had a few face-palm moments over the years, but it's getting better and I'm seeing less of it".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few faces" when you want to indicate a small number of people, particularly when referring to recognizing or observing them in a group or setting.

Common error

Avoid using "few faces" when you mean "a few faces". "Few" without the article suggests a scarcity or near absence, whereas "a few" indicates a small but present number. For example, saying "Few faces showed up" implies almost no one attended, while "A few faces showed up" means some people did.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few faces" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, denoting a small number of people recognizable or visible in a given situation. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts, from recognizing people to observing reactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few faces" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase suitable for indicating a small number of people you recognize or observe. It is often used in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. When using this phrase, remember that the article "a" is crucial to convey the intended meaning of a small quantity, as opposed to the scarcity implied by "few" alone. For alternatives, consider options like "some people" or "several individuals" based on the context. When it comes to usage and general meaning, "a few faces" is quite interchangeable with "a few people".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some people

More general and less specific regarding number.

several individuals

More formal and emphasizes distinct persons.

a handful of people

Emphasizes a small, manageable number.

certain individuals

Focuses on specific, though unspecified, people.

a small group

Highlights the collective aspect rather than individual faces.

a number of countenances

More formal and emphasizes facial expressions.

a scattering of people

Suggests a dispersed or sparse distribution of people.

select persons

More formal and implies a choice or distinction.

sparse crowd

Emphasizes the limited number of people present.

a minority of individuals

Highlights the smaller proportion of people.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few faces" to indicate that you recognize or see a small number of people in a specific context. For example: "I recognized "a few faces" from my old school at the conference."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "some people", "several individuals", or "a handful of people".

Is it grammatically correct to say "few faces" instead of "a few faces"?

While grammatically correct, "few faces" implies a very small number, bordering on almost none. "A few faces" indicates a small but noticeable number. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What does it mean when someone says they saw "a few faces" at an event?

It typically means they recognized or noticed a small number of people, suggesting a degree of familiarity or connection with those individuals. It implies the person wasn't completely alone or surrounded by strangers. Use it instead of ""several individuals"" to indicate recognition.