a few falls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few falls" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of instances of falling or a few occurrences of waterfalls, depending on the context. Example: "During our hike, we encountered a few falls that were breathtaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

You take a few falls".

Independent

"You've just got to be prepared to take a few falls when you're starting out".

The New York Times

Before she began visiting him, he had had a few falls that without this practical assistance would probably have resulted in a hospital admission.

The Guardian

69 and a few falls later my physio has me tie an exercise band around a heavy base with 2 feet hanging down on each side,knotted in the middle.

Harvard University

Although the "Heart of Summer" script presented no such concerns, there have been several injuries -- a few falls, an elbow stress fracture and two bloody noses -- one of them caused by a vigorously waved hand.

The New York Times

Most drives will survive a few falls or a splash of coffee, but it's legit to want one that's made for it.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A few fall, resulting in negative inflation.

The Economist

A few fell by the wayside.

The Guardian - Sport

Seth murmured the numbers, but after only a few, fell silent.

Princeton University

A few fall in love with India or an Indian and want to stay on.

The Economist

A few fall well below the mode, even occasionally under 1 g/cm3.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical activities or learning new skills, use "a few falls" to normalize the experience and encourage perseverance. It softens the impact of failure and emphasizes the learning process.

Common error

Avoid framing "a few falls" as a sign of complete failure or incompetence. Instead, present it as a normal part of the process, especially in learning or recovery contexts.

Linguistic Context

A few falls functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. It is used to denote multiple instances of someone or something losing balance or declining, whether literally or figuratively, and typically used as a direct object or subject complement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few falls" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes multiple instances of falling or declining. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts from describing literal slips and tumbles to figurative setbacks. It is especially prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. The phrase functions as a noun and is used to provide context or normalize challenges. When using "a few falls", it's best to emphasize learning and growth rather than dwelling on negativity. Alternatives include "several tumbles" or "minor stumbles".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several tumbles

Emphasizes repeated instances of losing balance and falling.

minor stumbles

Highlights slight missteps or losses of balance.

occasional slips

Focuses on brief and unintended sliding movements.

some mishaps

Refers to unfortunate accidents or incidents.

a couple of spills

Suggests accidental falls, often in the context of liquids or sports.

few accidents

General term for unintentional events that cause harm or damage.

slight declines

Indicates a gradual decrease or deterioration in condition or performance.

partial collapses

Emphasizes a breakdown or failure that is not complete.

limited setbacks

Highlights obstacles or delays that hinder progress but are not major.

brief downturns

Refers to temporary periods of decline or decrease.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few falls" to describe minor accidents or setbacks, as in "Learning to ski involved "a few falls" but was ultimately rewarding."

What are some alternatives to "a few falls"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "several tumbles", "minor stumbles", or "occasional slips".

Is it correct to say "a few fall" instead of "a few falls"?

No, the correct phrase is "a few falls". "Fall" is the noun in plural form when referring to multiple instances of falling.

What does "a few falls" mean in the context of personal growth?

In the context of personal growth, "a few falls" can represent setbacks or challenges that one encounters while trying to achieve a goal. These are seen as learning opportunities rather than complete failures.