a few fellows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few fellows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of men or boys, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I met a few fellows at the conference who shared my interests in technology and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I've met a few fellows I served with along the way".

The New York Times

The line grew: older people, a few fellows from the Bowery, addicts, the hungry and the lonely.

The New York Times

However, each year a few fellows may decide to participate in an Elective.

Yale University

There were no fires at that moment, and a few fellows took time to chat and graciously show us around.

The New York Times - Sports

Furthermore, while the Center had a few fellows and grad students of its own, the Center's seminars and lectures were attended in large part by faculty and students from other departments, a condition which continues to characterize the Center.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

You worked with a few fellow artists for this endeavor.

The New York Times

A few fellow patients have relapsed and a few others have died, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Among them were a few fellow-travellers, most notably the artist Paul Hogarth.

The New Yorker

Even an enquiring look by a few fellow passengers might save lives.

The New York Times

Watch it with a few fellow viewers and its spiralling black humour will make you giddy.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Speedy said he and a few fellow employees had been talking about starting their own business venture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few fellows" when referring to a small, unspecified number of men in a casual or narrative context. It adds a slightly old-fashioned or informal tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a few fellows" in highly formal or professional settings where more neutral terms like "some men" or "a few colleagues" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few fellows" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a small quantity of male individuals. It's used to indicate an indefinite but limited number. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct in written english.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few fellows" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for denoting a small number of men, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While examples are relatively uncommon, the phrase appears across News & Media and Academia. It carries a slightly informal or old-fashioned tone. When using it, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality. For professional or formal communications, consider alternatives such as "some men" or "a few colleagues". It's generally advisable to avoid the phrase when speaking about female individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of guys

Replaces "fellows" with a more informal term, "guys", suitable for casual contexts.

several men

Substitutes "a few" with "several" and "fellows" with "men", indicating a slightly larger but still indefinite quantity.

a handful of individuals

Replaces "a few" with "a handful of" and "fellows" with a more formal "individuals", suggesting a small, select group.

a small group of men

Explicitly states the group's size and gender composition.

a few chaps

Uses "chaps" instead of "fellows", which is a more British and slightly old-fashioned term.

some gentlemen

Replaces "a few" with "some" and "fellows" with the more formal "gentlemen", indicating respect or formality.

a select number of men

Emphasizes the chosen or special nature of the group.

a minority of male colleagues

Highlights the small proportion of male colleagues.

a scattering of people

Emphasizes the dispersed or random arrangement of the group.

a sampling of male participants

Indicates a representative selection of male participants.

FAQs

What is the difference between "a few fellows" and "a few guys"?

"A few fellows" carries a slightly more formal or old-fashioned connotation compared to "a few guys", which is more casual and contemporary. The choice depends on the desired tone of your writing or speech.

When is it appropriate to use "a few fellows" instead of "some men"?

Use "a few fellows" in informal settings or when aiming for a slightly vintage or narrative tone. "Some men" is more neutral and suitable for formal contexts.

Can I use "a few fellows" to refer to a group of women?

No, "a few fellows" specifically refers to a group of men. For a group of women, use "a few women" or "a few ladies" depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "a few fellows" that maintain a similar level of formality?

Alternatives that maintain a similar level of formality include "several men", "a small group of men", or "a handful of individuals".